Don’t Let Your Air Conditioner Freeze This Summer

You may be asking yourself, “How could my Air Conditioner possibly freeze in the middle of the summer?” and you wouldn’t be alone in your thinking. Many of us associate freezing with the winter months, but the truth is that a frozen Air Conditioner in the middle of summer is a very common problem for many homeowners

How does an Air Conditioner freeze?

An Air Conditioner freezes when the evaporator coil is unable to function properly. This is caused by either restricted air flow to the evaporator coil or from lack of refrigerant. If airflow is unable to effectively drain the condensation from the evaporator coil, then the condensation will freeze. Air flow can be restricted by a dirty air filter, faulty fan, closed registers, or because of drainage issues. A lack of refrigerant can also cause the evaporator coil to malfunction and freeze as a result.

How can I tell if my Air Conditioner is frozen?

There are a few telltale signs that an Air Conditioner has frozen, such as:

  • Leaking water around the Air Conditioning unit or around the vents
  • Vents blow out warm air while the unit is on
  • Ice forming around the evaporator coil
  • Ice forming on the outside of the Air Conditioning unit

If you notice any of these signs, turn off your Air Conditioning completely and call a licensed HVAC contractor, like General Air. Turning the unit off gives it time to thaw so that it can be properly treated by an HVAC technician. If you notice ice forming in or around your unit, it is important that you not try to scrape the ice off yourself, as this could further damage the unit and cause more expensive repairs.

Is there anything that I can do to prevent my Air Conditioner from freezing?

As always, performing regular maintenance on your HVAC system is the best way to prevent malfunctions and breakdowns. By having your air filter changed regularly and ensuring refrigerant levels stay steady, many cases of frozen Air Conditioners can be prevented.

If you believe you are having a problem with your HVAC system, General Air is fully equipped to provide accurate assessments and recommendations, with full-service technicians to meet your repair or replacement needs. It is important to get your unit checked as soon as you notice a problem, so do not hesitate to contact General Air to get your heating and air systems operating smoothly again in no time.