Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?

The air conditioner is an important home appliance that keeps us cool during the hot months and warm during the cold months. Nonetheless, similar to other home appliances, air-conditioning systems can act up at the least expected time. One of the prevalent faults that air conditioners experience is that it freezes up. This problem can occur during the winter season and even in the hottest months. If you’re battling with this unexpected air conditioner issue, you’ll need to contact an HVAC technician for Air Conditioning Repair | Top HVAC Long Island. They will also help you understand why your air conditioner is freezing up and how to prevent it from happening again in the future. 

Causes And Prevention Of Air Conditioner Freeze-Up

Low refrigerant

This is the most common cause of an AC freezing up. Refrigerant is a fluid that’s part of your air-conditioning system; it continuously changes from liquid to gas to help keep the air cold. When the refrigerant level reduces, usually due to leaky ducts, the escaped gas can build up in the air-conditioning system and cause the coil to freeze. Also, when you have low refrigerant in your air-conditioning system, it will absorb more heat than normal and can cause the air conditioner to blow warm air instead of cold air. 

To prevent leaks and low refrigerant issues, make sure you conduct routine checks on your air conditioning system. Check the coils and ducts for signs of corrosion and cracks. Early detection of leaks can help prevent costly repairs.

Dirty Air Filter

An air filter helps to clean the air that flows through your air-conditioning system. It absorbs dust, fur, pollen, and impurities in your air, thereby enhancing the constant supply of clean and healthy air into your home. After some time, the air filter becomes clogged up with dirt and prevents the free flow of air. The low level of air flowing through the evaporator coil will cause ice to build up around the coil and other parts of your air conditioner. 

To prevent your air conditioner from freezing up due to dirty air filters, make sure you change the air filter at least once in 2 or 3 months. Some experts suggest that air filters should be changed every month. To change your air filter, locate the filter compartment, unlock it, and carefully remove the dirty filter. Then replace the filter with the air filter that’s compatible with your air-conditioning system.

Failing Blower Fan Motor

The blower fan motor is the device that moves air through the ductwork in your AC. It works by spinning around a shaft that rotates inside a bearing at high speeds; this causes air to flow through your home’s ductwork, cooling it down as well as removing moisture from inside your home.

The common causes of blower fan failure include; older units, lack of lubrication, and debris buildup inside the unit’s bearings, which can result in stalling or freezing up during operation. If you notice this happening, contact a professional HVAC technician to inspect and determine if it’s time to replace or repair the blower fan.

Faulty Compressor

The HVAC system’s compressor is referred to as the heart of the air conditioning system. It’s responsible for changing power into energy, compressing & circulating refrigerant, and removing heat during the heat exchange process. The compressor is one of the most pricey components of the HVAC system; hence endeavor to maintain and service your air-conditioning system routinely to prevent compressor failure.

When the compressor fails, refrigerant won’t be pumped and circulated properly hence leading to frozen air-conditioning coils. This, in turn, gives room for refrigerants to condense and become ice. If your compressor is bad, don’t attempt to fix it yourself; call your HVAC technician to check it out.

Blocked drain system

An Air conditioning system helps to regulate the temperature indoors as well as control the moisture level in the home. When it absorbs moisture, it drains the moisture out through the drain system. If the drain system gets blocked, the moisture will flow back into the system, combine with the refrigerant, and freeze on the coils. You can easily prevent this issue by proper air conditioner maintenance practice. Endeavor to empty your drain pan regularly, and pour water and bleach solution down the drain line to remove debris and mold growth along the ducts. The water and bleach cleaning procedure should be done once in six months.

Proper care and maintenance practice can significantly reduce the chances of your air conditioner freezing up. Nonetheless, if your air conditioner freezes up, don’t hesitate to contact your technician.