It can be hard to keep your house cool during the summer without air conditioning. Even if you have an AC unit, sometimes it just freezes up. When this happens, you might start wondering what to do. Even if you have a friend who can help, asking them to come over every time the equipment freezes up can be a hassle. So, we put together some tips for what to do when your AC unit freezes up.
1. Turn Off Your Air Conditioning System
You should always turn off your AC unit when it freezes up. Once the equipment is off, inspect it for any underlying issues.
A damaged blower could be why your unit froze, as there was insufficient airflow to the coils. Check the blower’s efficiency and inspect the motor. If you notice any damage, you’ll want to have a professional replace these components.
2. Thaw the Ice
Let the ice melt naturally. The blower should be on to help with the melting process by blowing warm air over the coils.
3. Dry and Clean the Coils
Once the ice has melted, the coils will be left wet. Let the blower run until the coils are dry.
Dirty evaporator coils are reason enough for your system to freeze. This is because the evaporator coils are responsible for absorbing heat from the air. When the coils are dirty, they can’t do their job. It then causes the refrigerant to cool too much and leads to freezing. You should ensure the coils are clean to prevent them from freezing again.
4. Clean or Replace the Air Filters
If your air filters are dirty, then they should be replaced. A clean filter increases airflow, which in turn helps to remove heat from your house. When there’s easy airflow, it will help to prevent the AC unit from freezing.
A dirty air filter also reduces indoor air quality. This increases the risk of mold, bacteria, and other contaminants in your household. When this happens, it exposes your family members to potential respiratory diseases. Cleaning your filters will help maintain healthy indoor air quality and keep your AC unit lasting longer.
5. Open All Dampers
Open all of the dampers. Air flows through the air intakes and vents to circulate throughout your house. When the dampers or any other opening is blocked, there’s no way for air to circulate correctly. All vents should be opened so that your air conditioning system can work properly and efficiently.
6. Clean the Ducts and Remove Obstructions From the Vents
If there are obstructions or holes in the air vents, it can reduce the amount of air that flows. When this happens, your AC unit isn’t able to cool effectively. Clean the vents and remove any obstructions.
To be sure, there is a blockage in the vents. Let the fans start blowing and check for airflow in each room. Take note of the ones blowing less.
7. Check and Unclog the Condensate Line and Drain
A clog in the drain line could be why your AC unit keeps freezing. The condensate drains are responsible for collecting excess moisture and removing it from the coils. This prevents water damage. The drain line also carries away any foreign particles that might’ve made their way into the coils that can cause problems for the AC unit.
To check for clogs, follow the outlet to the outside. This is where the melted water will be leaking from. If there’s no water, the line might be clogged and need repair.
8. Call a Certified Technician to Fix a Refrigerant Leak
A refrigerant leak can be prevented by having a maintenance checkup. When there’s a leak of fluid, the pressure inside the evaporator coils drops. This causes moisture in the air to accumulate and freeze the AC unit. Don’t try to fix a refrigerant leak on you own, as it can be a dangerous process.
By maintaining your cooling system regularly, you can prevent freezing and extend the lifespan of your equipment. Always make sure to have a professional inspect your AC unit. The team at Ultimate Homes & Cooling can help install and maintain your air conditioning system. We’re located in Cape Coral, FL. Our technicians also offer indoor air quality and heating services. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment. We’re looking forward to working with you and answering any questions you may have.
