If your air conditioner is freezing up, it could be a sign of a big problem. Check for the following issues, and have a certified air conditioning expert take a look at your unit to make sure that everything is running as it should.
A Dirty Air Filter
Dirty air filters are a major culprit for your air conditioning freezing up. When your air filter gets dirty, it blocks the flow of air into your unit. The lack of air flow means that condensate gathers on your HVAC units coils and freezes.
Luckily the fix is simple: make sure that you replace your air filter often. Not only will that ensure that air moves freely through your air conditioner, but it will also maintain a high level of air quality within your home or office.
To get rid of the ice within your unit, take the following steps:
- Turn off your AC unit for 3-4 hours, letting the unit defrost.
- Turn the fan on and let the air move through your unit.
- Be sure that your air filter is replaced.
- After allowing the fan to run for a couple of hours, turn your air conditioner back on to see if it’s working.
A Refrigerant Leak
A refrigerant leak is the second most common cause for a frozen air conditioner. When refrigerant leaks, the pressure within your system changes. The warm air in your home moves across air conditioning coils, but instead of cooling it down and moving it along, it turns to ice as it gathers in your AC unit.
Unfortunately, unlike a dirty air filter, a leak is a much more serious problem. If you suspect that your HVAC unit is leaking refrigerant, contact your AC company and have them take a look. Leaking refrigerant is an environmental concern, and if it goes unaddressed, it could mean that you’ll need an all-new unit.
A Blocked Line
Your air conditioner has lines that take excess humidity and turn it into water that is then drained away from the unit. If one of those lines becomes blocked, that moisture can turn into ice – especially if the block is near the coils (the coldest part of the air conditioner).
At Stellar Services we believe regular maintenance can help prolong the life of your air conditioner and helps prevent problems like freezing. We check every line in the air conditioner as part of our maintenance to ensure that blockages don’t occur.
A Broken Fan
Your air conditioner’s fan moves the cold air formed by the HVAC unit throughout your home. If that fan becomes damaged or broken, that cool air gathers up and eventually freezes.
If your air conditioner is running, but you don’t feel any air coming out of the vents, it could mean that you have a broken fan. Call your air conditioning company and have them check to make sure that your fan is running.
A Malfunctioning Thermostat
How hard an air conditioning works is dependent on the signals sent by your thermostat. If your thermostat doesn’t detect the right temperature in your home or is sending the wrong signals, it can mean that your HVAC unit is running harder than it should be.
Prolonged strain can wear out the system and lead to all kinds of problem. Be sure to have your thermostat checked. If your thermostat is old or aging, consider upgrading to a newer model. New thermostats can save you money by running your AC as efficiently as possible.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is key to keep your air conditioner running smoothly and protect it from problems like blocked lines and refrigerant leaks. In Florida, air conditioners have to work hard to keep your house cool and comfortable. Prolonged use means that there is a higher chance of something breaking down.
Save yourself from costly repairs or replacement by having your HVAC unit checked. Contact us online or call us at (352) 290-4919 today for help.
