Air conditioners are a must-have for homeowners during the summer. Temperatures can get exceedingly hot in Phoenix, AZ, and it’s common for anyone with the ability to seek relief in the air-conditioned space of their home to do so.
However, your favorite summertime appliance isn’t perfect 100 percent of the time. Constant use without proper maintenance can lead to issues, such as freezing. A frozen air conditioner can be caused by many different things, from leaks to mechanical problems. Here are a few common reasons why your AC might be freezing up:
Weak Airflow
When is the last time you changed your HVAC filter? If it’s been more than a few months, this could be the source of your problems.
Filters play an important role in keeping your AC system healthy and efficient. They capture dust and debris not only to provide you with healthier indoor air quality but also to keep the interior parts and mechanics of the unit clean. Replacing filters on a regular basis is incredibly important — otherwise, the filters will become clogged and significantly reduce airflow in and out of the compressor. As a result, the cold air will be trapped inside and cause the unit to freeze up.
Change your HVAC filter and check on the unit every few hours to see if the ice has been melting. If not, you’ll need to contact an AC specialist.
There Might Be a Leak
Air conditioners use a chemical solution to cool the air pumped into your home. The physics behind this is a bit complicated, but the basic idea is this: coolant travels throughout your AC system, picking up warm air indoors, removing the heat, and redistributing the now cool air back into your home.
However, when a leak develops, there’s significantly less coolant available. The temperature change inside the unit allows the evaporator coils to freeze, reducing your air conditioner’s performance and your overall comfort.
Other Issues Can Cause Freezing
In addition to leaks and sharp changes in temperatures, you should keep in mind that mechanical issues could also be causing your air conditioning system to freeze. Whether it’s the fan or how open you’re keeping your vents, many things can create problems with your AC that lead to freezing. However, scheduling regular maintenance for your AC can quickly fix the issue and prevent freezing from occurring in the first place.
To find out more about why your AC might have frozen, call the Plumbing & A/C Medic team today!
