During summer, you need your air conditioner working at its best. When it starts freezing up, and the air in your home no longer feels cool, it’s time to take action before it worsens. This is because it reduces the ability of your air conditioner to keep your home comfortable.
Your air conditioner freezes due to many reasons. It can happen due to inadequate airflow, dirty air filters, malfunctioning fans, and dirty evaporator and condenser coils. There are several steps that you can take when your AC unit freezes up. So, the next time this happens, remember these tips.
Ensure that you don’t have anything blocking the vents. If something is in front of the vents and they cannot cool your home correctly, it can cause them to freeze up and prevent air flow through them. The easiest way to fix this is by moving whatever is obstructing your vents and letting them work as efficiently as possible again.
1. Turn Off the Air Conditioner
Turning the power source off is the first and most effective measure when your air conditioner freezes up. It will help prevent an overload that can damage your AC unit’s components. Turning off the AC unit immediately will prevent the coils from freezing up again.
2. Thaw It
The next step is to thaw the coils in your air conditioner. You should let the air conditioner thaw naturally. You can turn on the blower fans to help you get some fresh air into your home so that the coils defrost and thaw faster.
3. Dry the Coils
After thawing, you can turn on the blowers again. This is because the coils will still be wet. Only the blower fans should be running for better air circulation.
4. Clean or Replace Air Filters
The main reason why an air conditioner freezes up is that it has inadequate airflow. Air filters should be replaced at least once every two to three months; by doing so, you can prevent such issues from cropping up. If you don’t change your air filter regularly, it may get clogged with dust and other particles. This will eventually lead to higher energy bills over time.
Dirty filters can cause improper airflow, which will make the air conditioner work harder, resulting in freeze-ups. Check air filters regularly and replace them as needed.
5. Check Coolant Levels
Ensure the coolant levels are topped up to prevent your AC from freezing up. Your service technician will tell you the right amount of coolant for your air conditioner. Low coolant levels may be caused by a leak or even an increase in pressure, so it is crucial to check coolant levels regularly.
6. Open All Dampers and Supply Vents
Dampers are used to stop airflow in the system. You should ensure that the dampers are all open. If they aren’t, you need to open them and see if it helps. If it doesn’t work, your problem may be with the air conditioning unit.
7. Clean the Ducts
Ducts are used to provide air to an AC system. If the ducts are dirty or clogged, then there will be a loss of airflow in your unit. You need to clean the ducts to ensure good airflow in your system.
8. Check and Clean Evaporator Coils
Evaporator coils can cause your air conditioner to freeze up. They should be cleaned and checked regularly to ensure that your air conditioner works properly. They are responsible for absorbing heat from the air. If they are dirty, your air conditioner will lose its efficiency and have to work harder to keep your home cool.
9. Call a Certified Professional
You may want to hire a certified AC service professional who can inspect your system and clean or replace the parts that need attention. It can help prevent future issues, such as a frozen air conditioner.
Maintenance of your AC unit is essential. A professional can help you identify any potential problems and assist you in maintaining the efficiency of your system. Through maintenance, you can reduce the chances of your air conditioner freezing up in the future and prevent any damage to your system. HB Home Service Team will help install and maintain your air conditioning system. We are located in Central Pennsylvania and the Baltimore area.
In conclusion, cleaning your AC regularly and replacing your filters is essential. An efficient central AC duct system will help maintain the airflow in your home. You can replace or clean the evaporator coils to ensure you can maintain optimal airflow. It’s important to hire a professional who can inspect your system and keep it running well. We offer heating, cooling, and plumbing services. Contact HB Home Service Team for more information.
