Ensuring your home is appropriately cooled through the summer is an essential part of keeping your home comfortable. However, without proper maintenance, you may find that your AC is freezing up. You may even find that your system is frozen on the warmest summer days and cannot function properly.
At Ridgeline Heating & Cooling, we understand the importance of having a well-cooled home through the warmest months of the year. Without proper care, though, a frozen AC may become substantially damaged. If your AC is freezing up and you aren’t sure why or how to address it, keep reading to learn more.
How Do You Know if Your AC is Freezing Up?
If you believe your AC is freezing up, there are several signs to look out for. The most obvious sign of a frozen system is visible ice on the side of the unit. However, there are some additional signs that you may notice while the unit is running that indicate that you are dealing with a frozen system. Some signs that your AC is freezing up include:
- There is a hissing or bubbling sound
- Your electric bill has gone up substantially
- The system is blowing warm air
- You are experiencing uneven cooling
- There is moisture accumulation around the system
Why Your AC is Freezing Up
If your AC is freezing up, this may happen for several reasons. To treat the problem accordingly, you must first understand why it is freezing. Some of the most common reasons why your AC is freezing up include:
1. Your Thermostat is Malfunctioning
If your AC is freezing up, this may indicate a problem with your thermostat. Your thermostat may be malfunctioning, leading to your system running for longer periods than it needs to. Running for long periods can cause the condenser temperature to drop below freezing, resulting in ice. You may have also set your thermostat temperature too low, which can also result in a frozen system.
2. Your Coils are Dirty
Dirty coils in your air conditioning unit prevent proper heat absorption. When the coils become coated in debris, they can’t effectively absorb warm air from your home. This debris disrupts the cooling process, leading to refrigerant not evaporating as it should. Instead, your system gets too cold, and the refrigerant freezes on the coils. This coil freezing may lead to the system freezing entirely and cause potential malfunctions.
3. The Air Filter is Dirty
Proper airflow is an essential part of a well-functioning air conditioner. You must replace your air filters at least once every three months to ensure your system receives this airflow. These routine air filter changes ensure dirt, debris, and dander won’t block this airflow into the system. However, if you fail to change the air filter, the coils in your system may get cold, and the unit may freeze.
4. You Have a Blower Problem
The blower in your air conditioner pulls warm air from your air and pushes the cooled air into your home. If your blower is broken and malfunctioning, it may not pull enough air into the system to redistribute the cold air. As this cold air accumulates, your air conditioner begins to freeze up.
What to Do If Your AC is Frozen
While a frozen system can become increasingly frustrating, there are some things you can do to prevent it if your AC is freezing up. First, turn off the system to allow the parts to thaw properly. Leaving the system running can result in additional damage, which you will want to avoid. Once the system is off, check your filters.
If they are dirty, replace them with new, clean filters. Changing the filters will ensure the system receives adequate airflow when turned back on. Now is also a good time to double-check your thermostat settings. Turning up the temperature will prevent recurring freezing of the system.
Finally, turn on the fan for your system. The fan should help you break down the ice build-up on the system. However, avoid turning on the heat to prevent water from pooling around your air conditioner. The melting process should take two to four hours, though it may take up to 24 hours to melt fully.
If you go through these steps and your AC is freezing up after you turn the cooling setting back on, it might be time to call an HVAC professional for repairs. The problem may be more substantial than the lack of airflow, and advanced care from a technician may be essential to return your system to regular function.
After these repairs, it may also be time to consider scheduling regular air conditioning maintenance. Your trusted HVAC professional should maintain your air conditioner at least twice yearly to ensure it functions properly through the summer months. These regular maintenance appointments can ensure minor problems are addressed before they become more substantial.
Air Conditioning Maintenance You Can Trust
Whether you’re trying to prepare your system for the summer months or struggling to determine why your AC is freezing up, working with a reliable HVAC professional, like our team at Ridgeline Heating & Cooling, is an essential step in air conditioning maintenance and repair. With over 50 years of combined experience, our team is confident we can quickly and easily return your system to regular function.
From air conditioning repairs and ductless HVAC installation to fireplace installation, furnace tune-ups, and so much more, our team is here to help homeowners across the Idaho Falls area and beyond. If you need help addressing problems with your air conditioning unit, don’t hesitate to contact our team for support today.