Is your air conditioner freezing up? There are a number of reasons that could explain why this is happening.
The average lifespan of an air conditioner is around 15-20 years. If yours is well before its time and still having issues, there could be an easy fix behind it. Or, in some situations, repair or full replacement could be necessary.
In any case, the first step is troubleshooting to pinpoint potential issues. Keep reading to learn the most common causes when an air conditioner is frozen.
Your Filter is Dirty
If your AC coils are frozen, one of the most common causes is lack of airflow. More often than not, this is because your filter is dirty.
In general, it’s important to regularly change your filter. It clears up allergens and helps ensure clean airflow in your home. Plus, a clean filter can reduce your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5% to 15%.
Neglecting to change your filter, on the other hand, could cause your air conditioner to seize up and stop working.
Luckily, this is an easy fix. Simply pull out your AC’s filter and check to see if it’s accumulated a significant amount of dust. If so, then replace it with a new filter.
You Have Low Refrigerant
Low refrigerant levels inhibit the ability of your air conditioner’s evaporator coils to absorb heat and warm up. This leads to outside moisture freezing upon contact.
If your air conditioner is freezing, then it’s a good idea to check your refrigerant level. If it is low, then this could be the solution to frozen water in the AC.
Your Have Blocked Vents
This is another AC problem that relates to poor airflow. If too many of your home’s AC grates are either blocked or closed off, this can cause the airflow to back up in the ducts. Again, this could lead to your AC coils becoming frozen.
Start by turning off your thermostat. Then, check the vents around your home and open them up if necessary. If you have any items blocking them off, such as furniture or curtains, move these out of the way.
Should you find that your AC coils are frozen, give them time to thaw. Once that happens, try turning the air conditioner on again. If the coils freeze once more, then it’s time to try another option.
Dirty Evaporator Coil Leads to Air Conditioner Freezing
One more reason for an air conditioner freezing is a dirty evaporator coil. This is your indoor coil, which can easily become clogged with things like hair, debris, or dust. Cleaning is a bit of a complicated process, so you may want to hire a professional to come and service your AC for you.
Fixing Your Frozen AC
If your air conditioner is frozen, it’s typically an easy fix. Now that you know the top causes that lead to an air conditioner freezing, you can take the necessary next steps.
Still having issues with your AC? Contact us now for a free estimate to get your home cool again.