Why Does an Air Conditioning Unit Freeze Up?

    Image of an AC with Ice on Its Surface

    Air Conditioning unit Freezes up? This is the most common problem, most of homeowners usually face and don't know the reasons behind it or even how to handle such problems. If you face any problem relevent to your AC or HVAC problem, Just leave it to one of the Professional HVAC Experts. We will fix it for you.

    In this article, we'll discuss why an air conditioning unit freezes up, how to identify the problem (other than the apparent signs), and some preventative measures you can take to prevent future freezing.

    How Can You Detect If There Could Be a Freezing Issue?

    Verify the supply records for a sure sign. How hot is it? If so, frozen evaporator coils are likely the cause. Check for ice by opening the panel. Remember that just because there isn't any ice doesn't indicate that there isn't a freezing issue. However, if you see ice, your air conditioner is almost certainly frozen.

    Possible Reasons for AC Unit Freezing Up

    Here’s what causes an AC unit to freeze up:

    1) Dirty Air Filter

    Dirty Air Filters

    Replace air filters on a regular basis, every one to three months. Your air filter might get filthy or clogged and disrupt appropriate airflow if you don't replace or clean it. 

    When there is a blockage in the airflow, ice will inevitably form on the evaporator coil. Changing your air filter can prevent the freezing of your air conditioning system's parts. 

    It also aids in raising the calibre of your home's air (IAQ). Regular air filter changes are vital for optimal air conditioner performance and interior air quality in addition to being crucial for preventing freeze-ups.

    Although some manufacturers might advise replacing your air filter every month, the majority of experts advise replacing your air filter every three months. 

    The amount of activity in the house will determine how frequently the filter has to be replaced. There may be more dust in the house than normal if you opened the windows more frequently in the spring or early fall. 

    The dust created during your activity will inevitably clog the furnace filter more quickly than normal if you have just completed any house renovations, such as drywall work. Making a monthly check a regular part of your routine will never hurt.

    2) Malfunctioning of Thermostat and Fans

    Malfunctioning of Thermostate

    Low fan and temperature settings might have an impact on how well your air conditioner distributes heat from inside to outdoors. The fan must run at a high speed during the summer months when the outside temperature is rather high in order to reduce the inside temperature. 

    This is because the unit may be stressed by the low fan speed and may struggle to maintain the desired temperature. In such a case, the unit's low airflow and the cold refrigerant that circulates it both contribute to the formation of ice on the coils.

    The idea here is to increase the fan speed and supply the required airflow. To stop the cold refrigerant from circulating through the system, you may also adjust the thermostat's settings.

    3) Blocked Air Flow due to Malfunctioning of the Blower

    Cool air is produced in the system by blowing air over the coils with the assistance of the blower motor and fan. Cool air won't be blowing out of your vents if this fan breaks down. 

    A frozen AC unit may result from this. If you're unsure of what to do when your air conditioner freezes, check the fan and blower motor. Your air conditioner may start making rattling noises if this is the issue.

    4) Low Levels of Refrigerant

    Low Level of Refrigerant

    Ice might begin to accumulate on your air conditioning system if it has low refrigerant levels or is leaking refrigerant. Insufficient refrigerant prevents your system from operating efficiently, and the lower pressure may cause adjacent water vapour to condense on the coil's surface.

    Low refrigerant levels are frequently caused by a leak somewhere in the system. The experts can examine your system, identify the leak, and fix the problem so your air conditioning system can function correctly once again.

    5) Low Voltages

    Low Voltage

    Sometimes, the electrical system in your home may be the source of the issue. Because they consume so much energy, air conditioners occasionally leave certain system parts behind. 

    Your fan or blower motor, for instance, could not be getting the power it requires. If so, the outcome might be an AC unit that freezes.

    The Bottom Line

    In conclusion, frozen air conditioning is a frequent and annoying issue that homeowners deal with. However, with some routine maintenance and tune-ups, the issues causing an AC to freeze may be avoided. Regular tune-ups and air filter change greatly reduce the likelihood of mechanical problems, blockages, and leaks. 

    You can maintain your AC in peak condition, save money on your energy bill, and prolong the life of your AC unit by hiring a reputable HVAC company, obtaining an annual AC tune-up, and taking advantage of maintenance service plans. For finding the best ac professionals visit CityLocal 101