Air conditioning systems play a critical role in your indoor comfort. Whether you want to beat the heat in your home or keep your cool in your business’s kitchen, indoor air conditioning helps you enjoy the best version of your life.
At Quality Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we stand out as the experienced HVAC experts in Owasso, OK, and surrounding areas. Our team has seen it all. We know that an air conditioner freezing up ranks as one of the most common problems a property owner can face in the warmer seasons.
In this blog, we talk about the most common causes for air conditioner unit freezing, as well as our top 5 tips to prevent it from happening to you. For more information about AC system troubleshooting, give us a call today.
Why Do Air Conditioners Freeze Up
While many potential reasons can cause an air conditioner or HVAC unit to freeze up, you will find a few common causes that property owners can keep a lookout for.
Low refrigerant pressure remains one of the most common conditions that lead to coil freezing and other AC unit issues. Typically caused by refrigerant leaks, low refrigerant pressure contributes to a lower evaporator coil temperature. Over time, the coil can’t compensate for this temperature change and freezes.
Poor airflow can also lead to AC freeze-ups. Poor airflow prevents the refrigerant in evaporator coils from absorbing heat, reducing the temperature of the coil and leading to ice accumulation. Blocked filters, debris, and malfunctioning fans are the most common causes of poor airflow in modern AC units.
Malfunctioning thermostats put excess stress on an AC unit or HVAC system. Over time, the system constantly pumping out cool air can prevent thawing within the evaporator coil, leading to freezing or other issues.
Other problems can also lead to AC freezing, including electrical malfunctions, damage, broken blower fans, and more. If you notice your air conditioner freezing up, reach out to a professional for a diagnostic inspection and repair estimate today. To prevent AC freeze-up during the spring and summer months, follow our tips below.
5 Tips To Keep Your AC From Freezing
#1: Regularly Change Your Air Filter
As mentioned above, poor airflow is one of the most common causes of a frozen air conditioner. An AC system requires air movement to keep refrigerant circulating and temperatures stable in the evaporator coil. When air filters become clogged, they prevent proper air circulation and contribute to freezing, poor air quality, and other problems.
Inspect and change your air filter every three months or as often as an experienced HVAC professional recommends. If you’re unsure how often your air filter needs to be changed, give us a call.
#2: Keep Your Vents Free From Debris and Dust
Keep all vents free from debris and dust for another way to keep your AC or HVAC operating with peak airflow. Regularly inspect the outside of your unit for leaves or other debris, and check all intake pipes, vents, and ducts.
If you need help preparing your AC system for the warm season, schedule a professional inspection today.
#3: Recharge Refrigerant
Low refrigerant pressure will not only prevent your AC from adequately cooling air, but it can also lead to your evaporator coils freezing. After long periods of use, many AC units need a refrigerant recharge. While this sounds simple, it often requires knowledge of the machines and chemicals involved, both of which can be dangerous if mishandled. Always trust an HVAC or AC professional to recharge the refrigerant in any home or commercial appliance.
If you’ve recently had your refrigerant recharged and have noticed your AC isn’t blowing cold air, you may be experiencing a refrigerant leak or other issue. Schedule a professional inspection to detect and repair refrigerant line leaks quickly.
#4: Keep Drain Lines Clear
While the function of AC units seems simple in theory, these machines have many different parts that help make cooling indoor spaces energy-efficient and safe. Something as simple as a clogged drain line could contribute to an air conditioner freezing up.
AC evaporators turn ice and frost buildup into water, and what water isn’t evaporated safely drains away from working electrical parts. Water may back up into the machine when drain lines become clogged with ice or other debris. This water will likely freeze on contact with cold air, damaging your AC or preventing it from working.
Keep drain lines clear of all debris and frost buildup to keep your AC running smoothly. For professional help, call an HVAC expert for advice or schedule an inspection today.
#5: Maintain Blower Fans
As you now know, poor air circulation inside an AC unit can cause your AC to freeze up. To help prevent costly repair visits for freezing and other damage to your AC unit or HVAC system, check the system regularly to ensure that all fans and blowers operate normally and without obstruction. Clear dust, debris, and any organic material accumulated on or around the fans, and visually inspect the fans to make sure they turn.
Other Prevention Tips
Regular upkeep and maintenance remain the best way to keep your AC or HVAC unit operating at peak efficiency without freezing. Daily use places significant stress on home heating and cooling systems. By regularly checking fans, refrigerant levels, intake pipes, vents, and more, you can stay ahead of problems and help your machine run the way it was designed to run.
If your schedule is too packed to include regular maintenance, or you feel like you’re in over your head, let the professionals come in and handle the work. Experienced heating and cooling experts know what to look for and why. They can help you stop the air conditioner freezing or malfunctioning before it becomes a problem.
Schedule annual inspections and maintenance on all heating and cooling systems in your home or business today.
Affordable AC Help in Owasso
If you notice your air conditioner freezing up, we’re here to help. Reach out to our staff today to schedule a diagnostic inspection, learn how often to service your HVAC system, and more. Call Quality Heating, Cooling & Plumbing today at 918-268-7343.