It might be something you’ve never thought of, but AC units can freeze, even on a boiling hot summer day. When this happens, you’ll completely lose the ability to use your AC unit. So, what can you do about ice forming on your AC and why does it happen in the first place? Here, we list the reasons why your cooling system may fail and what to do when your AC freezes.
Why Do Air Conditioners Freeze Up?
If your air conditioner is iced over, then it means something isn’t right with the cooling system. Inside the unit are coils that are kept cold by a refrigerant chemical. Since the coils are kept at a very low temperature, any moisture in the air will immediately condense and freeze when it comes in contact with the coils.
Therefore, in most cases of ACs freezing up, it’s a result of too much humidity surrounding the unit. However, the causes vary, and sometimes it’s a more critical issue at play, such as a refrigerant leak
How Do I Keep My Air Conditioner from Freezing Up?
Since moisture is often the culprit, you’ll need to keep the humidity low in and around your AC unit. Below, we list some common causes of high humidity and what you can do to fix them.
1. Remover Any Airflow Blockages
AC units require constant airflow to keep humidity levels from climbing too high. If your AC unit is frozen, you should check your air ducts and filters to see if it’s an airflow problem. In fact, a dirty air filter is the most common cause of AC failure.
How to fix it:
- Turn off the AC and let it defrost
- Replace or clean filters
Luckily, cleaning your AC filter is an easy and quick fix for your AC freezing up.
2. Check for Refrigerant Leaks
Inside the coils is a refrigerant chemical which absorbs heat. Due to small cracks or holes in your coils, this chemical can leak, causing your AC to stop working. If this is the case, you may notice a hissing sound coming from the unit.
How to fix it:
- Turn off the AC
- Hire a professional to repair it
- Order a coil replacement if needed
Sometimes, a crack or hole is too large to repair. In this case, have a new one professionally installed so you can enjoy cool air in your home or building again in no time. Don’t worry we can help with this.
3. Confirm That Your Fan is Working
A faulty blower fan can cause a variety of problems for your AC unit and your home’s air quality. Fans improve airflow, keeping humidity levels low and cool air circulating throughout the building. If your fan isn’t working properly, it may be causing humidity to build up on the coils which will ultimately freeze.
How to fix it:
- Listen for any irregular fan noises
- Check to see if the fan is running at all
- Call an HVAC expert to fix or replace the damaged fan
Summary
In order to keep your AC unit properly functioning, you must have sufficient airflow and undamaged coils. Simple fixes include cleaning and replacing filters, while some repairs such as coil or fan replacements, should be performed by a professional.
Remember, DIY fixes to your HVAC system are never recommended. Using a professional can help you save money in the long run. If your AC isn’t working properly, make sure to contact a trusted HVAC contractor, such as Link ClimateCare, today!
