When it’s hot outside, it’s your air conditioner’s job to keep you comfortable. You may not think much about this major appliance until you notice it’s not working.
It may seem ironic that your air conditioner can freeze up even on a hot day, but when it does, you’ll want to have it repaired quickly. What can cause the air conditioning unit to freeze up? Take a look at the most common causes and how to fix them.
Low Refrigerant Levels
When your air conditioning unit runs low on refrigerant, it won’t be able to perform its cooling duties properly. Low refrigerant levels throw the whole system off balance, leading to it freezing up. Frozen evaporator coils are a sign that your AC may be running too low on refrigerant.
Unfortunately, this isn’t something you can repair on your own. You’ll need a professional HVAC technician to inspect your unit and remedy the problem. Even if it’s not the hottest day of the year, you shouldn’t wait to deal with frozen coils. These can result in further damage to your unit.
Dirty Air Filters
Another common reason for an AC unit freezing up is when you have dirty air filters. Your air filters are designed to capture all the dust, dirt, pet dander, lint, and other particles in your home’s air. In time, they will create a layer on the air filter that will slow down the airflow into your system, causing it to overload and freeze up. You should change your air filters regularly to prevent this problem.
Blocked Air Vents
Check to make sure nothing is blocking your air vents. If you have furniture or other items in the way, they can restrict proper airflow and cause your air conditioning system to break down.
Damaged or Faulty Wiring
All the wiring in your HVAC system needs to be in working order for it to operate. Take a look around and see if you notice any of the electrical wiring has been torn or burnt. You shouldn’t handle any of these wires yourself as it can be dangerous. The best way to avoid faulty or damaged wiring is to have your air conditioning unit inspected and maintained each year by an HVAC professional.
Clogged Condensate Drain Line
The condensate drain line removes the water created as an air conditioning system runs. The drain line keeps water from flowing back into the unit. When this line gets clogged with mold, dirt, and other kinds of debris, it can send the excess moisture back into your system.
Homeowners should make sure they’re maintaining the condensate drain line by pouring a mixture of hot water and vinegar into it each month to flush out any buildup.
This is also why professional AC maintenance is something you should never skip. An HVAC technician can inspect and clean your entire system to help keep this buildup from causing your AC unit to freeze up and will repair any other problems they may find.
What to Do If Your AC Unit Has Frozen Up
In some cases, you can spot exactly why your AC unit has frozen up. However, the issue may not always be clear. If your air conditioner has stopped working for any reason, you should always call a licensed air conditioning company.
Once your AC is repaired and working properly, make sure you keep up with maintaining it. You can ask the HVAC professional who comes to your home about the best ways you can take care of this vital piece of machinery in your home.