AC freezing up? Did you know that finding your AC frozen is actually a very common issue? While inconvenient and ironic, it is common to find your AC frozen over in the summer months. How can you tell if this is an issue with your AC unit and what to do when your AC unit freezes up? Let Constellation Home help you identify signs that you should look for and steps to take to get your AC working again.
How does an AC system work
An air conditioner is like a magic box that takes in warm air, runs it through cold coils, and produces cool air that is blown throughout your home. HVAC systems work hard year-round to keep you comfortable. Routine maintenance is critical to keep your cooling system working efficiently throughout the summer months when they are stressed most. Schedule your HVAC tune-up today with Constellation Home to keep your system running smoothly all summer long, without freezing over.
How to tell if your AC is freezing up
If your AC is not sending cool air back into you house and there is condensation on the surface of your unit, you might have a frozen AC unit. How can you tell if your AC is freezing up:
Reduced airflow- An AC unit can freeze up due to blockage in your vents. One of the first signs that you will notice is your house gradually becoming warmer. Place your hand in front of the vents to feel if warm air is coming out of it.- Hissing or buzzing sounds- If your AC unit is making a hissing, buzzing, or bubbling noise, this could indicate a leakage. These sounds are also associated with an AC freezing up.
- Condensation- Do not wait until you see chunks of ice surrounding your air conditioning unit to realize that something is wrong. Seeing condensation around your unit is also an indication that your air conditioner is starting to freeze over.
- Frost in refrigerant lines- One of the most obvious signs would be seeing any amount of ice on your AC unit. This happens because the evaporator coil is frozen and liquid refrigerant is flowing out.
Will a frozen AC fix itself
A frozen AC will require you to either shut it off and wait for all the ice to melt or call an HVAC technician to determine the cause of the frozen unit. Like most mechanical problems, this is better to address sooner than later. The longer you wait to call a professional, the more likely it is the issue compounds and causes further damage. Schedule service today or contact us to have a certified and licensed technician help you stay comfortable in your own home all summer long.
What to do when your AC unit freezes up
First check your air filters to see if there is any buildup that might be blocking airflow. Make sure to replace your air filters regularly to extend the life of your HVAC unit and keep your system from freezing over. If you see frost on your unit, turn it off, and let it defrost. This process could take up to 24 hours. In the meantime, schedule a cooling system tune-up to have a professional diagnose the problem and see if there is a need to either refill your refrigerant or replace a part.
