Given how warm and humid the weather conditions are in Bradenton and surrounding areas throughout much of the year, your air conditioner no doubt works hard to keep your home environment comfortable and cool. However, numerous issues can result in the system freezing. When your air conditioner is frozen, it will no longer function as needed. While a frozen air conditioner can happen from time to time, frequent freezing means that professional service is needed. What causes an air conditioner to freeze?
Airflow Issues
In the process of cooling your home, the evaporator coils develop condensation. When airflow to the air conditioner is not sufficient, this condensation turns to ice. Poor airflow can be caused by closed dampers, dirty grates, blocked air ducts, and issues with the air filters.
Low Refrigerant
Refrigerant plays a key role in cooling the air flowing into your home, so it may seem counterintuitive for low refrigerant to cause your AC system to freeze. However, low refrigerant causes the pressure in the AC unit to change, and this results in freezing. Leaks and cracks in the coils are often a cause.
Coil Problems
The dirt, dust, and other particulates in the air can accumulate in the coils. Eventually, the coils will clog, and the coils cannot do their important job of absorbing heat and ultimately removing it from the air. When the coils are dirty, excess condensation builds up on them, and this results in freezing.
Dirty Air Filters
Dirty air filters are one of the causes of both dirty coils and airflow issues. When the air filters are dirty, they cannot extract additional particles floating in the air. These particles often wind up accumulating in the coils. In addition, dirty air filters impede airflow. This also leads to ice buildup on the coils.
Poor Maintenance
Your air conditioner requires regular attention to continue running efficiently and properly. Some AC maintenance steps can be taken by you, such as changing the air filters monthly. Others should be completed by an HVAC technician during an annual preventive maintenance service. Failing to take these steps can increase the likelihood of your AC freezing.
How to Unfreeze Your Air Conditioner
The most important first step to take if your air conditioner freezes is to turn it off. This prevents unnecessary and improper wear on the system. Let the AC unit completely thaw. You can turn on the heater to speed up the process. Check the drain hole to ensure that the water can drain out of the pan properly. These steps will unfreeze your AC system, and you may be able to turn it on again for a short period of time. However, simply unfreezing the unit will not address the cause. As a result, the system will likely refreeze soon after it is turned on again, and this will continue until the AC system is properly serviced.
Schedule Air Conditioner Service Today
At Bradenton One Hour, we are committed to helping you stay cool and comfortable throughout the year. If your air conditioner has been freezing up or is struggling in other ways, our HVAC technicians are ready to help. Book service with us online or by phone today.