An air conditioner freezing up outside is a prevalent problem during the hotter months. It brings significant discomfort to the homeowners as the temperature inside the house rises.
We will look into the most common reasons why an air conditioner is freezing up outside.
Low Refrigerant Level
The refrigerant is what makes the air conditioner work. It is a particular type of liquid that evaporates and condenses easily. When it evaporates, it absorbs heat from the air around it. It is how your air conditioner cools the air inside your home.
If the refrigerant level is low, the air conditioner will not be able to work properly. The low level could be due to a leak, or it could be that the unit was not adequately charged when it was installed. Either way, a low refrigerant level will cause the air conditioner to freeze up.
Damaged Blower Fan
The blower fan is responsible for circulating the air inside the air conditioner. It pushes the cold air out of the unit and into your home. If the blower fan is damaged, it will not be able to circulate the air properly. It will cause the air conditioner to freeze up as well.
When the blower fan is damaged, it is usually due to a build-up of dirt and debris. It can happen if you don’t clean the air conditioner regularly.
Obstructed Air Vents
Your air conditioner cools your home by drawing in warm air and removing the heat. The evaporator coil could freeze if there isn’t enough warm air pulled in through your return air vents and blown over it.
Air cannot flow through the system if your home’s air vents are blocked by furniture, drapes, or other things. The coil can frost over if the airflow is restricted.
Clogged Filter
If your air filter is dirty, it stops air from going over your evaporator coil. If warm air that hasn’t been cooled can’t circulate, your evaporator coil will get cold and frost over.
Start by getting rid of the dirty air filter and putting in a new one. Then, shut down your system and give it time to warm up. When it’s no longer frozen, run the system as usual. If there are more issues, you should have a professional look at your AC system.
Clogged Condensate Lines
The air conditioner has a drain line that removes water that condenses on the evaporator coils. If this line is clogged, it can cause water to back up and freeze the coils.
It is often caused by dirt, algae, or other debris getting into the line. You can clean the line yourself with a simple pipe cleaner. If the air conditioner has condensation problems or the line is badly clogged, you may need to call a professional to clean it out.
Improperly Sized Unit
If your air conditioner is too small or too large for your home, it will not work correctly. An air conditioner that is too small will have to run all the time to keep your home cool. It will cause it to freeze up.
An air conditioner that is too large will not run long enough to cool your home correctly. It will turn on and off frequently, which can also cause it to freeze up.
Dirty Coils
The airflow will become impeded, and the evaporator coil will freeze if dirt builds up. Your home’s interior air carries dust as it moves through your ducts. Most of it is captured by your filter, but not all. The coil will become dusty over time and will require cleaning.
You can clean the coils yourself with a brush and some cleaning solution. You will need to turn off your air conditioner and remove the cover to access the coils. Be sure to wear gloves and safety glasses when doing this.
If you don’t feel comfortable cleaning the coils yourself, you can hire a professional to do it for you.
Conclusion
There are a few different reasons your air conditioner may be freezing up. Check the refrigerant level, blower fan, and air vents to see any issues. If the problem persists, you may need to call a professional for help.
Furnace Repair Winnipeg is a company that provides HVAC services in Winnipeg, Canada. We offer a wide range of services, including air conditioner repair, furnace repair, etc. Contact us today for all your HVAC needs!
