Your air conditioner could freeze, which seems odd, especially if it happens on an extremely hot day. It might seem counterintuitive, but a frozen air conditioner is actually quite common, and there’s no need to panic if you notice some freezing. Depending on the severity of the freezing, it’s likely something you can fix yourself. And if not, you can always contact a local professional to come and take a closer look.
Causes of AC Freezing
When the sun is constantly beating onto your home, it’s heating up the interior and the exterior. Your air conditioner will kick into high gear to help counteract this unpleasant, uncomfortable heat. While it’s working overtime, it begins to build up condensation that’s located on the evaporator coil. This coil should be kept warm internally. If it’s not warm enough, the temperatures can drop and freeze the condensation, causing a blockage that can cause more and more water to freeze.
Another cause of your AC freezing is that it’s low on Freon. Or, you may have a refrigerant leak that should be addressed immediately. The refrigerant inside your air conditioner is what cools and dehumidifies the air. If it’s low or leaking, you won’t get any cooling effects. The unit will likely just blow plain old air into your home. If the AC unit is low on Freon, you’ll need a professional to refill it.
How to Deal with a Frozen Air Conditioner
If your air conditioner is frozen, turn it off and give it some time to defrost. On warm days, this shouldn’t take more than a couple of hours. You should not run your air conditioner when it’s frozen since you could damage the compressor. A compressor replacement is extremely expensive. Always make sure your air filter is clean and replace it every month. Check all vents in the home and make sure they’re clear of dust and debris. Without proper airflow, the AC unit can freeze. Check all blower motors to ensure they’re working correctly. When in doubt, call a professional HVAC company to come and inspect your air conditioner so they can make repairs or suggestions to prevent freezing issues in the future.
Whether your indoor air issue is a comfort, health, energy or protection, Vredevoogd Heating & Cooling serving the Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Kalamazoo areas has your solution. Contact us today at 616-828-5126 to schedule an appointment or request an estimate.