If your AC suddenly stops working, then the unit may be freezing up. Why does this happen, and what can you do about it? Here's what you need to know about your AC unit freezing up in summer.
Why Does My AC Freeze Up?
There are several possible reasons for an AC unit freezing up in summer. Most common is lack of airflow. If not enough cold air is flowing from your vents, it likely also means not enough warm air is flowing across your coils, causing them to freeze.
Or, rather than the airflow, it may be the coils themselves that are blocked. If a lot of dust accumulates on them, it acts as insulation. Warm air blows across the coils, but it's absorbed by the dust, so the coils themselves stay cold.
You also may be low on refrigerant. This interferes with the compressor's conversion of the liquid refrigerant into a gas. As a result, too much cold is generated, causing ice to build up on the coils.
How to Fix It
In all these situations, the results are cumulative. If left unchecked, ice continues to build up over time, damaging your system. If you see your AC unit freezing up in summer, check for ice crystals on the evaporator coil of the outdoor unit. Ice may accumulate in other places too. Shut the system off completely and let it thaw. This may take several hours. If it continues freezing repeatedly, you may need to take additional steps to get to the root of the problem.
How to Stop It
First, see if something is blocking your HVAC airflow. It could be a clogged filter or damaged ductwork, or the fan or blower motor might be broken or running too slowly. If it's the latter, call your HVAC technician.
To prevent dust building up on your coils, clean them regularly with a brush and a hose. Finally, call your HVAC technician to check your refrigerant level and recharge it if necessary.
For help stopping your AC unit freezing up in summer, contact us at Air Assurance. We keep Broken Arrow homes comfortable year-round.