Air Conditioners Do Freeze Up
A frozen air conditioner is something that can go from a minor inconvenience to a major problem very quickly if not addressed. That’s why HVAC Philly Heating & Air Conditioning services is here to help you figure out how to diagnose why your air conditioner is frozen and what you can do to fix it!
Why Air Conditioners Freeze
Poor or limited airflow –
There are a few things that can cause limited airflow, but most often they are caused by clogged/dirty air filters and poorly sized ducts. Dirty air filters block the flow of air through your ducts and indoor unit, and they can cause the temperature in your coil to drop below freezing, which results in a frozen evaporator coils and an air conditioner that isn’t working. Another common cause of limited airflow in your home could be poorly sized duct work. Whether they are too big or too small, poorly sized duct-work will lead to diminished efficiency and performance.
Low refrigerant –
Your refrigerant needs to be perfectly balanced in order to work properly. The refrigerant charge can be unbalanced due to a leak or faulty installation, but no matter the cause, it needs to get fixed as soon as possible. Thermostat temperature – If the temperature on your thermostat is too low (especially when the outdoor temperature is also low), this can cause your AC to freeze. Diagnosing and Fixing Your Frozen Air Conditioner If your air conditioner is frozen, the first thing you should do is turn it off—even before you start diagnosing and fixing the problem. This will give your AC a chance to thaw out and reduce the risk of damage to your system—and don’t forget to lay down a few towels around your air conditioner to soak up any water.
The next thing you should do is check your air filters—if they look dirty or clogged, it’s time to replace them! Generally, your air filters should be changed every one to three months, depending on how often you’re running your air conditioner. After your AC has completely thawed, try turning it back on and see if changing the air filters helped. If after a few hours your air conditioner is frozen again, it’s time to move onto the next step, which is checking your thermostat temperature. Make it a habit to never set your thermostat much below 70-72 degrees because when you do, the refrigerant in your evaporator can reach levels below freezing. If your thermostat is set too low, try turning up the temperature and waiting—if your AC doesn’t freeze again, then you’re all set!
If you try both of these home fixes and your air conditioner is still frozen, it’s time to call HVAC Philly, Heating & Air Conditioning because your problem is most likely stemming from a lack of refrigerant, poorly sized ducts, or some other faulty part (such as a broken blower fan). One of our air conditioning experts can come out and diagnose the cause of your frozen evaporator coils and help determine the best course of action to get things running smoothly again. If you are Interested in speaking with a professional about Air Conditioning Services in Philadelphia, Bucks and Montgomery counties Contact us now
