Common Reasons Why Your AC is Freezing Up

Your air conditioner is an essential piece of equipment in your home. Not only does it create a more comfortable living environment in the midst of a scorching hot weather, it also filters the air that circulates throughout your home. However, there are times that it may seem to be running less effectively than before, leaving you in a rather uncomfortable scenario. One of those issues is when your air conditioner freezes. What causes your cooling system to have ice buildup on the outer parts of the unit or for the inner parts to drip water?

When you notice that your air conditioner freezes after some time of operation, the unit will have a hard time circulating the cooled air, and eventually, a huge block of ice may accumulate on the evaporator coil. Some of the easy indicators of a freezing AC unit include a soaked filter, a thick layer of ice coating the pipes, more condensation on the drain pan, and the room is no longer cool.

Four Seasons Air Specialists is an outstanding HVAC company in Hugo, MN that can help you fix a freezing air conditioner.

Here are some of the most common reasons why your AC is freezing up.

Poor Airflow

Your air conditioner needs adequate airflow to run smoothly. If it doesn’t get enough air, the exchange of thermal energy between the air conditioner and the room is compromised. This causes most of the cool air to stay around the evaporator coil and fins, creating a drop in temperature within the unit itself. As a result, ice is formed, causing the unit to freeze up.

Your air filter is an essential part of your air conditioner, and many issues may arise when you fail to properly and frequently maintain it. When a filter is clogged, it causes your cooling system to work harder than it should, which decreases your unit’s lifespan as it burns out the motor. When neglected, you will be forced to replace the unit much sooner than you would have to.

Moreover, a blocked filter compromises your indoor air quality. One of its main purposes is to eliminate airborne allergens such as dirt, dust, pollen, and, mildew. This can be a potential health risk, especially if you have children or family members that have preexisting respiratory conditions.

Low Refrigerant

While most homeowners often disregard their air conditioner’s refrigerant, it actually plays an important role in keeping your home cool. It is a combination of different heat transfer fluids that are used in all air conditioners and heat pumps. It runs between the two units of your AC system: the indoor unit and the outdoor unit. Without the right amount of refrigerant, your AC just could not perform its task.

Over time, especially when the unit is not properly maintained, the refrigerant may leak and cause your AC to freeze. The best way to fix the issue is to have a professional to detect, seal up the leak, and recharge your unit with the right type and amount of refrigerant.

Too Low Outside Temperature

Most of the time, when seasons change, AC units tend to freeze up. When it gets too cold outside, your air conditioner is highly likely to freeze. Understand that for your cooling system to effectively cool your home, the temperature inside must be 6 to 7 degrees lower than the temperature outside. When this happens, it’s better to use the AC’s fan mode or simply open your windows to properly ventilate your room.

Faulty Blower Fan

One of the main components that can cause your AC to freeze up is the blower motor. Its main function is to produce air movement to the space that is being cooled. As the air cools inside your AC, it becomes jammed and doesn’t travel as well. The blower fan sucks the hot air out of your home and moves the cold air inside. The effectiveness of your air conditioner to produce cool air depends entirely on the unit having the right balance of airflow and pressure.

When your blower fan breaks, it significantly alters the airflow within the AC’s indoor unit. Ice will eventually build up on the coils, and the water droplets will not evaporate or drain properly. If neglected, this can cause more serious problems, so it is recommended to call your cooling technician to repair the unit.

Professional Home Cooling from Four Seasons Air Specialists

If your air conditioner freezes up and you want to restore the comfort in your home, call Four Seasons Air Specialists. With our dependable technicians and proven track record, we’ll ensure you’ll get your AC running efficiently in no time. We are your trusted Hugo AC repair contractor serving you for more than 40 years.