Why Do Air Conditioners Freeze Up?

With summer in full swing, you need to be able to count on your AC to cool your home. Unfortunately, some AC systems freeze up in crunch time which can result in a hot home, potential water leaks, and other issues. Here are some reasons why AC systems freeze up and what you can do to prevent it from happening to you.

Dirty air filters

Air filters quickly fill up with dust and pollen during the sweltering summer months and this restricts the airflow and causes the system to freeze up. This one has an easy fix: pull out your dirty filters and replace them with new clean filters. Experts recommend replacing your filters at least once a month during the peak season of May-September.

Cool summer nights

AC units are rated to work in certain temperature ranges. If the temperature at night dips too low, it can actually cause the AC to freeze up. An easy way to prevent this from happening is to set your thermostat to its “auto” setting so that it turns off if the temperature inside your home is lower than the set temperature. If you do not have a programmable thermostat, give us a call at Ideal Partners and we can install one for you.

Vent blockages

Vent blockages can also restrict the airflow in your AC unit, causing condensation to form, which can turn into ice sheets in the unit. Make sure not to close too many of the supply vents and ensure no furniture is blocking your return or supply vents.

Refrigerant leaks, mechanical issues, drain lines

There is a wide array of other issues that can cause an AC to freeze up, including leaks, mechanical issues within the unit, drain line stoppages, and air duct issues. These problems can be very technical and difficult to diagnose and repair on your own, so it is typically best to call a professional if you have a challenge that is outside of your skill set.

If the troubleshooting tips we listed don’t help you solve your AC system’s problems, give Ideal Partners a call for same-day repairs and 24/7 emergency HVAC support.