Having your AC freeze up in the summer is not something you want to happen. So how do avoid this from happening and what causes your AC to actually do this? Hal Mechanical is here to help you understand some ways your AC could be freezing up. So maybe you can avoid it from happening to yours.
Weak Air Flow
If your air conditioning is not getting enough air, then ice can form on the coils. So, why wouldn’t your AC be getting enough air? This problem is a pretty easy fix. Check your air filters, if they are dirty change them out and get new ones. The air filters will catch the dust and debris so it cannot get into your ductwork. If they are dirty then the air can’t pass through them. Lack of airflow is one thing that can cause ice to form on the coils.
Wrong Thermostat Settings
If you have your temperature and fan set on too low it can start to cause problems because your AC is transferring heat from inside to outside. When it is really hot outside the fan should be on high speed. This will help lower the temperature inside your house. When the fan is on low there is low circulation. When you combine hot air outside and low circulation with cold refrigerant that is circulating in the unit this can cause ice buildup on the coils. The best thing you can do is not run your AC for long periods of time at very low temperatures. This will help prevent your coils from freezing up.
Bad AC Compressor
The compressor is a huge part of your AC. It compresses the refrigerant and removes the heat from your home. If you are not taking proper care of your compressor it can start to fail. A compressor that is old or worn out can’t pump refrigerant which can eventually cause your AC coil to freeze. The problem with a bad compressor is it can’t be fixed, you will need to replace it.
Is it Bad to Run Your AC when it’s Cold Outside?
You should not use your AC on cold nights. If it is a nice night open your windows to help cool down your house. The reason you should not be using the AC on cold nights is because the AC needs a good supply of warm air so that the evaporator coils will not freeze. If they are getting too cold to operate the AC during a cold night that is when it will freeze.
Dirty AC Evaporator Coils
Over time your evaporator coils can start to collect dirt and dust. You need to make sure you get an AC tune-up often. If you have not had an AC tune-up then your evaporator coils can be covered in dust and dirt which can make it start to freeze the coils. This happens because the buildup of dirt will get in the way of the heat transfer between the refrigerant and coils.
Central Air Conditioner Repair, Replacement & More in Aliante, Anthem, Desert Shores, Eldorado, Enterprise, Green Valley Ranch, Henderson, Inspirada, Mountain’s Edge, North LV, Peccole Ranch, Paradise, Providence, Rhodes Ranch, Seven Hills, Silverado Ranch, Spring Valley, Summerlin, Sunrise Manor, The Lakes, Tuscany Village & Las Vegas Nevada
To help prevent your AC from freezing up, getting a tune-up and having a professional look at your AC will help ensure that your AC is running smoothly. If you have any questions or concerns give Hal Mechanical a call.
