It sounds strange when you think about it. A machine designed to cool your home somehow gets too cold and freezes itself up. But a frozen air conditioner is actually one of the most common issues homeowners run into, especially during the hottest months of the year when you need your system working perfectly.
Understanding why it happens is the first step toward keeping it from becoming a recurring problem.
Poor Airflow Is Usually Where the Problem Starts
Your air conditioner depends on a steady flow of warm air moving over the evaporator coil to work properly. That coil gets extremely cold as it absorbs heat from the air in your home, and when warm air isn’t flowing over it properly, the temperature drops too low and moisture in the air freezes right onto the coil.
The most common cause of restricted airflow is a dirty air filter. When your filter gets clogged, it cuts off the air supply your system needs to function. Checking and replacing your filter regularly is one of the easiest ways to prevent freezing and keep your system running efficiently all summer long.
Low Refrigerant Levels Make Things Worse
Refrigerant is what makes the cooling process happen. When levels drop too low, the pressure inside your system drops along with it. That pressure drop can cause the evaporator coil to get much colder than it should, which leads to freezing.
Low refrigerant almost always means there’s a leak somewhere in the system. Adding more refrigerant without finding and fixing the leak is only a short-term solution. A licensed HVAC professional can locate the source of the leak, repair it and recharge the system so that everything is working the right way.
What to Do When You Notice Ice on Your Unit
If you see ice forming on your air conditioner, the first thing you need to do is turn the system off and let it thaw completely. Running a frozen unit strains on the compressor, which is one of the most expensive components to replace. Be sure to switch the fan setting to run without cooling to help speed up the thawing process.
Once the ice has melted, check your air filter and replace it if it’s dirty. Also, take a look at your vents to make sure they aren’t blocked or closed off. If the system freezes again after you’ve addressed those things, the problem likely runs deeper and it’s time to call a professional.
Ignoring a frozen AC can lead to compressor failure and a much more expensive repair bill. If your air conditioner keeps keeps icing over and you’re not sure why, our team at Big Sky in Helena, MT is ready to help, so contact us today to keep your home comfortable all season long.