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08.11.2024
Brooke Kirshne
To cool down indoor spaces during summer or in hot areas, an air conditioner (AC) is very useful. This HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system lowers the indoor temperature, making living spaces more comfortable. However, AC units sometimes freeze up, which not only disrupts the indoor environment but can also shorten the AC’s lifespan. Addressing this problem is essential, as ignoring it could lead to expensive repairs.
This blog will cover everything you need to know about why air conditioners freeze up and how to fix the problem. Readers will gain a clear understanding of the causes behind a frozen AC and learn effective solutions. One of the key sections includes tips on preventing AC units from freezing, so be sure to read each part carefully. By the end, AC users will have all the essential knowledge to handle and prevent frozen AC issues.
How An AC Works
Understanding how an air conditioner works can be helpful before diving into the causes of freezing. This knowledge gives users a better grasp of their AC unit. As mentioned, an air conditioner is part of an HVAC system, which controls indoor temperatures.
An air conditioner works by using refrigerant to absorb heat from the indoor air and release it outside. First, warm air from the room passes over the evaporator coil, where the refrigerant absorbs the heat and cools the air. A fan then blows this cool air back into the room. Next, the refrigerant gas is compressed in the compressor, raising its temperature, before moving to the condenser coil outside. Here, the hot refrigerant releases its heat and turns it back into a liquid. Finally, the liquid refrigerant passes through the expansion valve, cools down, and is ready to absorb heat again. This continuous cycle helps keep the indoor space cool.
Causes Of Freezing Of An AC
An AC can freeze for several reasons, and understanding these causes is essential for identifying and fixing the underlying issue. Here are some of the main reasons an AC may freeze:
- Dirty Air Filter: A dirty air filter is one of the main causes of AC freezing. When users neglect to change their filters regularly, they become clogged with dirt and debris, restricting airflow. Without sufficient air, the refrigerant can't absorb enough heat, which causes the evaporator coil to freeze due to its low temperature.
- Damaged Blower Fan: A damaged blower fan can lead to improper airflow, which in turn causes the AC to freeze. Overheating, due to excessive load or buildup of dust and debris, can damage the fan, reducing its efficiency. Signs of a damaged blower fan include unusual noises and increased energy bills.
- Low Refrigerant Levels: Refrigerant is crucial for cooling, and when its levels drop too low, the evaporator coil may freeze. This is usually caused by leaks in the system, often within the evaporator coil. Leaks can be difficult to detect, as the refrigerant evaporates quickly upon contact with air.
- Clogged Condensate Drain Line: A clogged condensate drain line is another common cause of a frozen AC. The condensate line removes moisture from the air, but if it's blocked, the moisture will freeze, which can cause the evaporator coil to freeze as well.
- Too Low-Temperature Settings: Setting the temperature too low can also cause an AC unit to freeze. Some units are not designed to handle extremely low temperatures for extended periods. Forcing the system to work harder than it should can result in the AC freezing up.
- Improper Installation: If your AC was not properly installed at the HVAC unit, it will never work properly and could cause the AC to freeze. This is a common issue that occurs when the evaporator coil, located under the ductwork, is not properly insulated.
To fix these problems, you should hire or get help from an experienced installer who can guide you on how to install your AC unit correctly to prevent future issues, such as freezing.
How To Fix A Frozen AC
Understanding the causes of an AC freezing is essential in preventing it. But what should you do when your AC is already frozen? Here are two important steps to take before calling an HVAC professional:
If Your AC Is Frozen, Try These Fixes First Before Calling An HVAC Professional.
Step 1: The first step AC users should take is to turn off their air conditioning system when they notice that their AC is frozen. By doing this, the system’s condition will not become worse and it will prevent the AC from any critical damage. Individuals should keep their AC off for at least 7 hours because this will help to defrost the air conditioner.
Step 2: This step is very essential because when the AC is defrosted it will become wet so it is important to dry the coils of the AC properly. To do that, people should turn on the power and run the blower fan, and this will help to dry the coils faster. Make sure that only the blower fan is running, not the AC. If this doesn’t fix the AC within a few hours then it is important to call a professional for help.
Prevent Freezing Of An AC
AC users can prevent the problem of frozen air conditioners by following some tips. These tips not only help to prevent the freezing of an AC but also keep its efficiency at an optimal level. So here are some of the key tips that will prevent AC freezing:
1. Check Blower Fan
Checking the blower fan is necessary to prevent freezing of an AC because sometimes it can get damaged or become dirty. Over time, dirt and dust build-up on the blower fan, so regular checking will help to find out whether the fan needs cleaning or not. If the blower fan is damaged, then it is crucial to call a professional to fix this issue as soon as possible. By doing this, the AC will become efficient to provide cooling properly.
2. Replace Air Filter
On average, air filters require a new replacement every 1 to 3 months, but some high-quality air filters can last up to 3 to 6 months even more. So it is essential for AC users to check whether their air filters need to be changed or not. This small step will help to provide sufficient airflow to the system, and as a result, it will prevent the freezing of the evaporator coil. Changing the air filter not only helps to prevent AC freezing but also improves indoor air quality.
3. Clean Coils
Cleaning of air conditioner coils is a very important thing that every AC user must do to prevent AC freezing and ensure better temperature control. Particles like dust and debris start making the coils dirty, and this can cause freezing. So inspecting the coils once a year is a necessary thing to do. Cleaning the coils enhances the performance of an AC and doesn’t let it freeze. The evaporator and condenser should be cleaned at least once a year.
4. Keep Air Vents Open
Air vents are one of the most essential components of an air conditioner, as they help to throw out heated air from a residential or commercial place and spread cool air in indoor space. Individuals must ensure that there are no obstacles near the vents that block airflow. Obstacles like furniture indoors and grass outdoors affect the airflow negatively, which causes freezing of an air conditioner. So it is important to keep away these obstacles from vents and provide an open space for better airflow.
5. Inspect Condensate Drain Line
Inspection of the condensate drain line is important because it gets clogged over time. Regular checking will help to ensure AC users whether their condensate drain line is clogged or not. When the drain line is clogged, people can use a wet/dry vacuum, which is effective at cleaning debris stuck inside the condensate drain line.
Conclusion
An AC is an essential part of every residential and commercial property nowadays. Due to its capability of controlling indoor air temperature, this device is very popular. The freezing of an AC is one of the most common problems that individuals may tackle once or many times in their lives. Using a dirty air filter is one of the common reasons that makes an AC freeze. A damaged blower fan or low levels of refrigerant also can cause the freezing of an AC. People can fix their freezing by turning off the system for 7 to 8 hours. After turning off the AC unit, individuals should turn on the blower fan when the ice is melted inside the air conditioner because this will help to dry the inner components of the AC.
The problem of a frozen air conditioner can be prevented by following some tips like checking and repairing the blower fan, replacing the air filter regularly, and cleaning coils once a year. If you are one of those persons who want an air filter for their residential or commercial air conditioner then Custom Filters Direct is the best place for you to get a filter. We provide air filters that are customized according to our client's needs. Contact us at (877) 556-2862 today to get your filter now.
