Many homeowners fear the day they begin having trouble with their HVAC units or, worse; their unit stops working altogether. Finding that your HVAC has ‘frozen up’ is a moment of panic for most homeowners as it signals significant problems are afoot. According to the Department of Energy, nearly two-thirds of all homes in the United States are equipped with air conditioning systems.
Here in Texas, it is hard-pressed to go for many days without a working HVAC system. You may have heard people experiencing their HVAC freezing up, but you may not understand the causes behind the unit not working correctly. Here are some common reasons your air conditioning system may freeze and how your HVAC professional can help you keep it cooling correctly.
Inadequate Airflow
Poor airflow is one of the primary culprits of a frozen air conditioning unit. HVAC units require adequate airflow to work correctly, so if your unit struggles to draw air, it is likely to freeze. If your airflow is blocked, the warm air inside your home will struggle to flow over the unit’s evaporator coils, leading to condensation. Since the air conditioner’s compressor will continue to run, the condensation can become ice. Always have your HVAC technician check duct work annually to ensure airflow to your unit is unencumbered.
Clogged And Dirty Air Filters
Air filters should be changed routinely every one to three months. Air filters catch all the dust and particles in the air and trap them inside to keep your indoor air clean and your HVAC working correctly. If you leave dirty air filters in place for too long, they can clog up the airflow, eventually leading to a frozen air conditioning unit. Keep your indoor air quality clean and your HVAC running smoothly by changing your air filters regularly.
Low Levels Of Refrigerant
If your air conditioning system is running low on refrigerant, ice can begin to build up on the unit. When a leak has caused refrigerant to drain out or levels are too low, the unit can not work effectively, and the reduced pressure may result in water vapor freezing on the coil’s surface. Low refrigerant levels can be due to leaks requiring professional HVAC inspection to correct, so your system works properly.
Malfunctioning Blower Fan
A faulty or damaged blower fan will affect airflow to the unit, freezing up the coil and creating issues within the entire HVAC system. If you think your blower fan is not working correctly, you must call your HVAC professional before damage is caused to your system. HVAC technicians will inspect the fan and make necessary repairs or replacements to keep your system working without incident.
Condensate Drain Line Clogged
Your HVAC cools your home by transferring the heat from the inside to the outside of your house. This transfer process creates condensation that drains out of your home through a condensate drain line. A clogged condensate drain line will lead to an overflowing drip tray which can potentially cause water to freeze on the coil.
HVAC Professionals Can Keep Your HVAC Running Smoothly
One of the best ways to avoid having your HVAC freeze is to have it routinely inspected and maintained by your HVAC professional. If you experience a problem, your HVAC technician can have your unit back in business before more damage occurs.