Do you see ice in your air conditioner (AC)? Few things are more troubling than this, especially if it happens during the summer.
The Department of Energy (DOE) says that 88% of homes in the United States have air conditioning, with 66% using central systems. It’s evident that these appliances are quite important for most households.
Unfortunately, if your air conditioner keeps freezing up, it won’t work properly, which can become a nightmare when temperatures rise.
Many people believe that this problem only occurs in cold places, but the truth is that your air conditioning system can freeze up for many reasons. This blog post will focus on the 5 most common ones.
5 Common Reasons Why Your AC May Be Freezing
A frozen AC unit requires immediate attention, as several issues can cause this situation, including many that can quickly become a major problem if not properly addressed.
In this regard, these are the most common reasons why your air conditioning system may be freezing up.
Poor Airflow
Inadequate airflow is what causes air conditioning systems to freeze up in many cases. Damaged air ducts, for example, can make it difficult for warm air to circulate over the evaporator coils as it should, leading to condensation.
The problem is that your air conditioning unit’s compressor won’t stop working, so condensation may turn into ice. So, to fix this issue, you should check if there are leaks or blockages in your ductwork.
By fixing leaking or clogged air ducts, you can improve your air conditioning system’s airflow and prevent ice from forming.
Dirty Air Filters
Something as simple as a dirty air filter can cause serious problems in your Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, including freezing.
When not properly cleaned or maintained, air filters can quickly become dirty and clogged, causing improper airflow and all the problems that come with it.
If air isn’t circulating properly, ice is more likely to form on the evaporator coil, which can put your air conditioning system at risk of malfunction or damage.
Ideally, you should replace your air filters with new ones at least every three months. This will help prevent your air conditioning components from freezing and can improve your property’s indoor air quality.
Low Refrigerant Levels
Sometimes, ice buildup can be caused by low refrigerant levels. Air conditioning systems don’t work well when this happens, as the reduced pressure can cause water vapor to freeze on the surface of the evaporator coil.
The same is true when the refrigerant is leaking, which is the most common reason for such low levels.
If you suspect that there’s a refrigerant leak or a similar issue, you should contact professionals for expert air conditioning repair.
Clogged Condensate Drain Line
Do you know how air conditioning systems work? Your AC unit transfers heat from inside a room to the outside. Since there’s moisture in the air, this process will create condensation, which drains out of the space through a component called the “condensate drain line.”
Unfortunately, condensate drain lines can get clogged, causing the drip tray that collects water from moisture to overflow. If the evaporator coil is too cold, this excess water can freeze on the surface.
Clogged condensate drain lines can quickly become major issues. If you want to prevent this problem from affecting your air conditioning system, you need to have professionals flush and clear such components so that your cooling equipment works as it should.
Regular maintenance can also help prevent your AC unit from freezing. Schedule this service every so often to avoid problems with your condensate drain and refrigerant lines.
Damaged Blower Fan
If your AC is freezing, a faulty blower fan may be the cause. When damaged, this component can affect airflow, causing the evaporator coil to freeze.
It’s quite important to call experts if you realize that you can’t set the thermostat to turn the fan on or off or if there’s a similar issue, as this can cause problems with your entire heating and cooling system.
Other Issues That Can Cause Your Air Conditioner to Freeze
In addition to the common causes mentioned above, other problems can lead to your air conditioner freezing up.
These issues can significantly impact your heating and cooling system’s performance and lead to frozen air conditions.
If you still don’t know why your AC is frozen, check out these potential reasons:
- Malfunctioning thermostat: An inaccurate thermostat can cause the air conditioner to run continuously, even when the desired temperature is reached. This can result in excessively cold air inside the unit, causing the evaporator coils to become too cold and freeze.
- Incorrect system sizing: If your central air or ductless system is undersized for the space and is cooling, it’ll work harder to maintain the desired temperature, which can result in increased workload, strain the system, and lead to freezing issues.
- Electrical problems: Issues with the electrical wiring or components, such as the compressor or fan motors, can disrupt the normal operation of the air conditioner, resulting in freezing.
- Dirty evaporator coils: If dirty, the unit’s evaporator coils can also impede proper airflow and contribute to freezing. Regular cleaning of these components is essential for optimal performance.
What to Do If Your Air Conditioner Freezes
Is your AC freezing? If you find ice in your air conditioning system, that may be a sign of a bigger problem, so this is something you shouldn’t ignore.
When this happens, it’s best to call a professional who may be able to fix or clean the unit, as required.
As mentioned, several issues can cause your air conditioner to freeze. By using professional services, you can ensure that an expert properly identifies and fixes the root problem to prevent it from further damaging your system.
Looking for AC Repair Services in Los Angeles?
If you suspect any of the issues mentioned above or notice that your system isn’t cooling effectively, it’s crucial to contact a qualified HVAC professional who can accurately diagnose the problem and provide the necessary repairs or air conditioning service. Pure Eco Inc. can help with air conditioner and heater repair in Los Angeles.
Besides ensuring your property is always cool during hot days, an HVAC professional can keep your furnace in optimal condition so that your spaces are at a comfortable temperature all year long.
Did you find financing to replace your existing system? If you’re in Los Angeles a new air conditioning unit is just a phone call away.
Whether you need help with a residential or commercial HVAC system, calling professionals is the best way to go. You just need to find a reputable company.