Steps To Take If Your Air Conditioning Freezes Up
Summer is fast approaching, and the last thing you want is your air conditioning unit freezing up on you when you need it most. Not only is a frozen AC unit frustrating, but it can also lead to costly repairs if left unchecked. Don’t worry, though – Efficiency Heating, Cooling & Fireplaces, your trusted HVAC contractor in Saskatoon, SK, and we are here to help. In this post, we’ll go over the most common reasons your AC unit might freeze up and the steps you can take to fix the problem.
A Detailed Guide To Handling a Frozen Air Conditioner
Dealing with a frozen air conditioner is a common problem that requires immediate attention to prevent further damage to the system. When hot air starts blowing out of the vents, it is a sign that the system is frozen. Shutting off the power to the system at the main circuit panel is the first step to prevent further ice buildup and damage to the compressor motor. Waiting for the system to fully thaw out, which could take several hours, is essential. Trying to remove ice manually could cause further damage to the system. Once the system has fully thawed, drying the coils with paper towels or rags is important before turning the power back on. Setting the thermostat to “Fan Only” and allowing the fan to run for 30 minutes will thoroughly dry the coils before switching the thermostat back to cooling.
If you are a local dealing with this issue, we highly recommend scheduling your AC service in Saskatoon with the Efficiency Heating, Cooling & Fireplaces professionals if you’re unsure how to deal with a frozen air conditioner or would like professional assistance.
Reasons Your AC Unit Might Freeze Up And How To Avoid Them
- Dirty Coils: Dirt and dust can accumulate on the evaporator and condenser coils, causing the refrigerant to become too cold and freeze. This can be prevented by regularly checking and cleaning the coils with a wet rag.
- Insufficient Airflow: The air conditioner needs sufficient warm air flowing over the coils to prevent freezing. Insufficient airflow, often due to dirty air filters or clogged supply/return air vents, can cause freezing. Regularly checking and replacing air filters and cleaning out debris from the compressor unit can prevent this issue.
- Low Refrigerant Levels: If there is not enough refrigerant in the system, the refrigerant pressure can drop and cause the system to freeze. Tiny holes can develop in the refrigerant lines or coils over time and cause leaks. When you schedule your AC service in Saskatoon, SK, our certified HVAC technicians will inspect and repair the leak before adding more refrigerant.
- Faulty Blower Motor: If the blower fan inside the air handler is not working correctly, it won’t be able to circulate enough air to keep the coils from freezing. In this situation, the fan must be repaired or replaced.
- Clogged Compressor Unit: Debris, such as leaves or tree cotton, can clog the outside of the compressor unit, increasing the refrigerant pressure and causing the coils to freeze. This issue can be easily fixed by removing the panels from the outside of the compressor and cleaning out any debris.
Maintenance Is Key
A frozen AC unit is not only uncomfortable but also a sign of a potentially serious problem. Preventing these issues from occurring can be done through regular professional maintenance of the entire cooling system every spring. If your AC unit continues to freeze up soon after thawing, contact Efficiency Heating, Cooling & Fireplaces, one of the most trusted HVAC companies in Saskatoon, SK, to diagnose and fix the issue promptly and effectively.