An air conditioner provides consistent and refreshing cool air when everything functions smoothly. In Florida, your AC is your lifeline, so when it malfunctions, you feel the heat—leaving you feeling warm and frustrated.
A frozen AC unit occurs when excess moisture inside the air conditioning system freezes, forming ice on the coils. This problem can prevent the proper flow of air and refrigerant, leading to reduced cooling capacity and potential damage to the AC unit’s components. Take a look into the common things that can cause a frozen air conditioner so that you can take steps to preserve your home’s cool air.
Clogged Drain Line
Your AC unit’s drain line removes the excess moisture from your home, and if it clogs, it can cause water to back up into the system. This trapped water can then freeze, leading to a frozen AC unit.
Clogged drain lines can occur due to dirt, dust, or debris buildup over time. Have a professional HVAC technician regularly inspect and clean your AC unit’s drain line to prevent this issue. Likewise, you should regularly inspect the drain line for any obstructions. If you notice a clog, you can clear it with a wet/dry vacuum.
Insufficient Airflow
Air should flow freely through your house by blowing out of the vents. However, when airflow becomes restricted or blocked, it can cause a frozen AC unit. Two common causes of insufficient airflow are dirty air filters and a frozen evaporator coil.
Closed and Blocked Vents
Closed vents can disrupt the balance of your air conditioning system, leading to insufficient airflow and potential freezing. Similarly, blocked vents can restrict airflow, causing the system to work harder and potentially freeze up. Avoid placing furniture or other objects directly in front of vents, and regularly check that all vents are open and unblocked.
Dirty Air Filters
Over time, your air filter can accumulate dirt, dust, and debris, reducing the amount of air that passes through it. This dirt can cause the evaporator coil to become too cold, leading to freezing.
How often your need to change your air filter varies depending on specific factors, such as whether you have pets, the environment, and how many people live in your home.
Pro Tip
If you have a large household or pets that shed a lot, you may have to change your air filter more often than someone who lives alone. If you are unsure what’s best for your household, contact an HVAC professional for personalized recommendations.
Damaged Blower Fan
Your AC’s blower fan helps circulate air throughout your home, keeping the house cool and comfortable. If the blower fan becomes damaged or stops working, it can lead to insufficient airflow, causing the evaporator coil to freeze.
Signs of a damaged blower fan include unusual noises, reduced air circulation, or warm air blowing out of your vents. Properly addressing blower fan issues can reduce the risk of further system damage. Contact anAC repair companyas soon as you notice issues with the fan or your AC unit; they may have to replace the blower fan to restore proper airflow.
Low Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant is the substance responsible for absorbing heat from inside your home and releasing it outside. If there is a leak in the refrigerant line or low levels, the AC unit will struggle to cool your home correctly. In some cases, this leak causes the evaporator coil to get too cold and sometimes even freeze over.
Detecting low refrigerant levels requires professional expertise, as special equipment is necessary to fix this issue. Search for highly-rated local HVAC professionals who can assess and repair refrigerant-related problems.
Dirty Evaporator Coils
Dirty evaporator coils are another thing that can cause a frozen air conditioner. These coils absorb heat from the indoor air, and when they become covered in dirt or debris, their efficiency lessens.
It is best to hire an HVAC technician to clean the evaporator coils at least once a year. In extreme cases, they may have to replace this part of your unit. During the cleaning, ask whether it will be necessary to clean the coils more frequently or if the currently apportioned time between checks is still relevant.
Thermostat Issues
On a sweltering day, you may want to set the AC as low as possible so that you can cool down quickly. However, this attempt at a rapid temperature change can become problematic since setting the thermostat too low can cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze.
Every AC unit is different, and what’s “too low” for one may not be the case for another. Review your unit’s user manual or talk to an HVAC technician for the ideal temperature range for your specific AC system. Additionally, consider investing in a programmable thermostat to avoid manually adjusting the temperature too low and potentially causing a frozen AC unit.
Pro Tip
Moreover, if your thermostat is incorrectly calibrated or malfunctioning, it can cause the AC unit to run longer than necessary, leading to freezing. When an HVAC technician inspects your AC unit, ask them to check the thermostat as well.
Improper Installation
When you buy a new AC unit, it’s essential to have it installed properly by a trained and experienced HVAC technician. Improper installation can lead to various issues, including:
- Insufficient airflow
- Refrigerant leaks
- Blocked vents
These issues can cause the evaporator coil to freeze, resulting in a frozen AC unit. The last thing any homeowner wants is for their new air conditioning unit to break down shortly after installation.
Neglecting Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance of your air conditioning system is crucial in preventing frozen AC units. Neglecting tasks such as changing air filters, cleaning coils, and checking for clogs can reduce efficiency and potentially cause freezing issues.
After reviewing your AC unit’s manual, note how often you should schedule maintenance and stick to it. By keeping up with regular maintenance, you can avoid costly repairs and keep your AC unit functioning efficiently year-round.
Pro Tip
Regular maintenance prevents freezing and increases the chance of noticing other issues, such as worn parts or refrigerant leaks, before they become major problems.
Contact Style Crest
Addressing these common causes of a frozen air conditioner can help maintain optimal performance, extend the lifespan of your unit, and avoid costly repairs.
Style Crest is an HVAC repair and installation company that started in 1970; we proudly provide top-notch services to homeowners in Melbourne, FL, and the surrounding area. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to issues are key to ensuring your AC system continues to provide efficient and reliable cooling for years to come.
