First, we hope you and your family have a tremendous summer. Thank You for choosing Rostron Premium Home Services. In a sea filled with home service companies, we are happy to show you why we are the most trusted…
One common issue we encounter during the warmer months is homeowners reporting that their outside air conditioning (AC) unit is freezing up. It might seem counterintuitive for this to happen in the summer, but several factors can lead to this problem. Understanding why your AC unit is freezing up is the first step towards solving the issue and preventing future occurrences.
Common Causes of AC Freezing:
- Insufficient Airflow
One of the most frequent causes of an AC freeze is restricted airflow in your system. When there isn’t enough air moving through your unit, there isn’t enough heat being transferred away from the coils, which can cause the condensation on the coils to freeze. Rostron Premium Home Services can check your air filters and replace them if they are dirty. Also, ensure that all registers are open and unblocked.
- Low Refrigerant Levels
Low refrigerant levels can also cause your outside unit to freeze up. Refrigerant is the substance that your AC system uses to remove heat from the air inside your home. If there is a leak or the system is not charged correctly, the low refrigerant levels will reduce pressure, causing the temperature to drop below freezing and ice to form on the coils.
- Malfunctioning Components
Various components within your AC system, such as the blower fan or the expansion valve, play crucial roles in its operation. If any of these components fail, it can lead to improper pressures and temperatures that contribute to freezing. Regular maintenance is essential to check for wear and tear and to replace faulty parts before they cause a freeze-up. Rostron Premium Home Services offers a top notch membership program, make sure you ask our front office for more details.
- Operating AC in Cool Temperatures
Running your AC unit when the outside air temperature is too cool can also lead to freezing. Most units are not designed to operate in temperatures below 60°F. If the outdoor temperature drops significantly overnight but the AC continues to run, this can cause the coils to freeze. This obviously won’t happen during a Jersey Shore summer.
Steps to Fix a Frozen AC Unit
Step 1: Turn Off Your AC
Firstly, if you notice that your unit has frozen, turn off the AC at the thermostat. Continuing to run your AC in this state can cause further damage to the system. Rostron Premium Home Service techs will not be able to do any service until the AC is unfrozen.
Step 2: Allow the Ice to Melt
Give the unit time to thaw naturally. You can speed up this process by turning on the fan mode on your thermostat, which circulates air without cooling it.
Step 3: Check and Replace the Air Filter
Inspect your air filter. If it’s dirty, replace it. A clean filter can often resolve issues related to airflow.
Step 4: Inspect the Unit
Once the ice has melted, inspect the unit for signs of damage. If you suspect the refrigerant levels are low or there are damaged components, it’s time to call a professional.
Preventing Future Freeze-Ups
To prevent future freeze-ups, ensure regular maintenance checks by a professional. These checks should include cleaning the coils, checking for refrigerant leaks, ensuring the system is charged correctly, and verifying the operational integrity of all components.
So, Why Is My Outside AC Unit Freezing Up in the Summer?
A freezing AC unit in the summer indicates something is wrong with your cooling system. Understanding the common causes and how to respond can ensure your system runs efficiently and effectively. Regular maintenance is critical to preventing issues and ensuring your system can handle the summer heat without any freeze-ups.
Stay calm, and remember to schedule your annual AC maintenance check to keep your system running smoothly! We look forward to servicing your home this summer. Thank You! Rostron Premium Home Services – A COMPANY OF QUALITY – 732-223-8221
