Top Common Reasons Why Your Central AC Freezes Up in the Summer
Availing of a quality air conditioning repair is the best way to have your air conditioner fixed in a timely manner, so you do not have to deal with the scorching heat of summer. And you can avail that top-notch service anytime from Pasadena Quality AC Repair.
Air conditioners are relatively important when the summer season starts. With the rising heat index year after year, we cannot deny the fact that AC units are now an essential part of everyone’s home. One common benefit of having a cooling system is, of course, to keep the home environment cool in the middle of summer and avoid inhaling airborne particles that can be detrimental to our health.
AC units could also save you and your family from harm, considering that heat is the number one cause of weather-related ailments across the United States, including cramps, exhaustion, stroke, and, possibly, death.
Recently, California has recorded a heat wave with an average temperature of 95 to 100 degrees, and this includes Pasadena. So it is really impossible for your AC unit to be frozen during this season. However, in unexpected circumstances or with a lack of preventative maintenance, your cooling system may face this kind of problem regardless of the weather; here are the common reasons why this happens:
Blocked Airflow Causes Freezing Up
Air conditioning units need to have a regular flow of air so the humidity won’t settle on the coils and freeze. In order to keep the airflow in your home moving enough not to tousle your AC’s functionality, you have to be sure that your air filters are not dirty and becoming clogged. Air filters are inexpensive, and it is best when you change them regularly.
Mechanical Problems or Refrigerant Leaks
Your AC system has a lot of moving parts that can get stuck, broken, or clogged. In fact, refrigerant lines can leak, fans may stop moving, and filters can become clogged. Any of the mentioned parts can cause a drop in pressure, allowing the refrigerant to expand too much and become too cold. Refrigerant is an essential part of your AC to ensure proper regulation of the temperature throughout your unit. A very low level of refrigerant is also one of the most common reasons why your unit freezes.
Fan Issues
Most air conditioners have two fans: one functions to blow indoor air over the evaporator coil, and the other one works to expel warm air by blowing it over the condenser coils. When one of these stops working, your AC will have insufficient airflow inside. This can lead to major problems, including the failure of a compressor.
A frozen cooling system is very unusual, especially when the recent heat index temperatures are way hotter than before. However, the hotter the temperature, the more your AC unit will thrive to provide you cool air while exhausting all its efficiency.
If you do not want to experience this kind of AC-related problem during summer, having it checked and maintained regularly is the best thing you can do. On top of that, it can also help you avoid costly repairs during peak season.
Things You Need to Do to Prevent Your HVAC Unit From Freezing in Summer
When you notice an ice buildup in your AC unit, and it is becoming a problem for you during summer, one best way to get rid of this problem is to avail a top-tier air conditioning repair. This HVAC service is offered by Pasadena Quality AC Repair at a very reasonable price. Hence, you will no longer stress about fixing the problem of your cooling unit alone.
In the United States, ninety percent of homes are equipped with air conditioning units. During the summer season, the use of cooling systems has significantly increased over the past years. On the other hand, there are a few homeowners who are having trouble when they use their air conditioners during the summer season. That is why it is essential to give your cooling system good quality maintenance regularly to keep them in good working condition year round regardless of the season.
Like all appliances you have at home, the ventilation system also needs a regular tune-up for you to keep them running smoothly for a longer period of time.
The following are the best things you can do to prevent your AC from freezing during summer:
1 Have your trusted HVAC Technician check for possible refrigerant leaks.
A low level of refrigerant is the most common reason when it comes to ice buildup on air conditioning systems. As the unit tries to operate with a lower refrigerant level than normal, the resulting drop in pressure can cause the evaporator coil’s temperature to go down to a freezing level.
So, it is a good idea to have your trusted HVAC technician check your AC refrigerant levels. When necessary, let the technician track down any possible leaks in your air conditioner’s refrigerant line.
2 Have your trusted HVAC Technician check for possible refrigerant leaks.
Changing the filter of your AC unit on a regular basis is not only essential to prevent your cooling system from freezing but also improves the performance and indoor air quality. It is indeed highly recommended that you change the filter of your air conditioner once every three months. It is also important to note that changing the filter of your AC should also depend on the activity in your home—if you often open the window of your home and you have done home repairs.
3 Make sure that your blower fan is properly working.
A broken blower fan may also make life difficult for your air conditioner, either by failing to provide enough airflow to keep the coil from freezing over or by failing completely. In any case, you should have your HVAC specialist inspect the blower fan. Your HVAC technician may inspect the blower fan’s rotation direction, rotation speed, and power output in addition to the age and general wear condition of the blower fan and its motor.
4 Check the condensate drain line.
Your air conditioner keeps your home cool by collecting heat and transmitting it outside. Any moisture that condensed from the previously humid air ends up in the condensate drip tray, where it finally drains out of the air conditioner via a built-in drainage system.
If any portion of your unit becomes blocked, the water in the tray may back up and overflow. The additional moisture might make the evaporator coil more prone to freezing. If you discover any obstructions in the condensate or drain system, contact your trusted HVAC technician right away.
5 Inspect Your Vents.
Checking your vents from time to time is also one of the most important ways to prevent your cooling unit from freezing up. Important things to do are to avoid putting your furniture near the vents so the air can pass through properly and never close two to three supply vents. Closing such may cause your unit to freeze up.
5 Ways to Prevent Your AC from Freezing Up
Preventive maintenance is important to keep your AC unit 100% functional. Here are five helpful tips for you to prevent your cooling system from freezing up.
1 Check for any refrigerant leaks
HVAC technicians are trained to spot any possible refrigerant leaks in your AC. When this happens, calling your trusted specialist is the best thing to do.
2 Change your filter regularly
It is highly recommended that you should replace the filter of your AC once every three months. Depending on the activity in your home, you may change it every after one month.
3 Make sure that fan blowers are working
Call your trusted HVAC technician to inspect if your fan blowers are functioning properly to ensure that they are thoroughly cleaned and checked.
4 Check the condensate drain line
You have to make sure that the drain line is not blocked by any dirt. If there are obstructions that you cannot remove, call experts right away.
5 Inspect the vents
You have to avoid putting your furniture near the vents so the air can pass through properly. Closing 2-3 vents can also cause your unit to freeze up.
While there are AC-related issues that you can just do all by yourself, hiring an expert to do HVAC jobs is still the most practical thing to do. Book with us right away so we can help you prevent your cooling system from freezing up.