Keeping your air conditioner running smoothly during the summer is crucial, as a frozen AC unit can cause significant issues. If your air conditioner is freezing up in the warmer months, this blog provides helpful information to address the problem. Many homeowners face this issue, and we’re here to share our expertise on how to prevent and fix a frozen AC unit.
Is it Normal AC Unit to freeze up in Summer?
No, the AC unit should not freeze during the summer.
If it does, there may be a problem with the unit and it should be checked by a professional.
What makes your air conditioner freeze-up
If your AC unit has frozen during the summer, there are a few possible culprits.
- The most common is low refrigerant levels, which can cause the coils to freeze.
- Another possibility is a faulty compressor, which can cause the entire unit to freeze.
- Finally, dirty air filters can restrict air flow, causing the unit to work harder and eventually freeze.
What to Do When Air Unit Freezes Up?
If your air conditioner unit freezes up, don’t panic. There are a few things you can do to fix the problem.
- First, check the thermostat to make sure it is set to the correct temperature. If it is, then the next thing to do is to check the air filter. If the air filter is dirty, it can cause the unit to freeze up. Clean or replace the air filter and see if that fixes the problem.
- If the unit is still freezing up, the next thing to do is to check the coils. If the coils are dirty, they can also cause the unit to freeze up. Clean the coils with a coil cleaning solution and see if that fixes the problem.
- If the unit is still freezing up, there is likely a problem with the compressor. If the compressor is not working properly, it can cause the unit to freeze up. Call a professional to service the compressor and see if that fixes the problem.
How do I Keep My Air Conditioner From Freezing Up?
You’re not alone when it comes to air conditioner problems, but fortunately, there are a few easy solutions to consider.
You see, an air conditioner’s condenser coil is the part of the machine that actually cools the air.
Over time, this can freeze up, leading to the compressor getting stuck and requiring repair.
If it continues to freeze, the compressor could fail, and if the compressor fails, you could lose power to your home or be left with a big bill.
The good news is that there are a few things you can do to prevent this from happening. Here are some tips to consider.
Get Rid of Dust
Air conditioners are made to work in dusty conditions, but you can always do more.
If you can, vacuum the vents thoroughly regularly.
You’ll want to remove the filters in the same way and make sure to replace any filters that have become dirty.
Keep It Clean
It’s important to keep your air conditioner clean as well. You’ll want to keep the air flowing through it by opening up all the vents.
Then, you’ll want to regularly remove the filters, especially the ones that are located in the unit itself.
Don’t Overcharge
You’ll want to be careful when it comes to charging your air conditioner, as overcharging can lead to the compressor freezing up.
This isn’t just a problem with the compressor.
If you leave the condenser coil running at full capacity, the compressor will continue to work even when the room temperature isn’t high enough.
The solution? Check the temperatures on the thermostat to determine how much energy you need to use.
Adjust the Settings
One of the best ways to ensure that you don’t freeze the compressor is to make sure the settings on your thermostat are set correctly.
As a general rule, you’ll want to adjust the settings in the morning when the house is cooler.
Keep it Quiet
While a lot of people enjoy listening to music while they’re cooling, this can lead to your compressor getting stuck.
You can still listen to music, but try to do so in a room that’s far away from the air conditioner.
Check the Compressor
If your air conditioner is older, then you’ll want to check the compressor for leaks.
Leaks can occur in the condenser coil, the drain pan, or the compressor.
If you find that you leak, you’ll want to contact a professional right away.
Check the Filter
In addition to the other filters, you’ll want to make sure you have a filter for the condenser coil.
If it’s clogged, you’ll want to replace it.
Change the Fuse
If your air conditioner hasn’t been running for a long period, then you’ll want to check the fuse for the air conditioner.
If it’s burned out, you’ll want to change it.
Change the Thermostat
Depending on what type of thermostat you have, you may be able to change the temperature setting manually to ensure that you’re getting the optimal amount of cooling.
If that doesn’t work, then you’ll want to look into buying a new thermostat.
Consider a Service
Finally, if you notice that you’re having issues with your air conditioner, you’ll want to call a professional.
Still having issues, then you can call a professional to come and take a look at your HVAC system.
Wrapping Up
If your air conditioner unit freezes up in the summer, there are a few things you can do to prevent it.
You should check your filters and make sure they’re clean, you should also consider changing your air filter.
If you see condensation on the evaporator coil, then it could mean that your refrigerant is low.
If you notice any of these things, then you should call a professional to help you.
Are you thinking of getting an air conditioner unit installed this summer? Let us know how it goes in the comments below.
Author: Ralph P. Sita
Ralph P. Sita is a seasoned professional with deep roots in both the HVAC and tech industries. His family’s business, Ralph P. Sita, Inc., is a locally owned and operated HVAC contractor with over 42 years of experience, serving the DC, Maryland, and Virginia areas. The company specializes in residential, commercial, and industrial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning services, offering everything from installation and maintenance to custom ductwork and indoor air quality solutions -www.ralphpsita.com. A former CPA, he spent the last decade as co-founder and co-CEO at Cybrary, a leading platform for cybersecurity and IT training. Cybrary became the largest, most well-known cybersecurity training businesses in the industry under his leadership. Smart AC Solutions is an opportunity to give back to the HVAC community by providing reliable, actionable information on all things heating and cooling.