Is your AC freezing up? It may seem strange, especially during the hottest days, but air conditioners freezing up is a common issue. Many homeowners in Massachusetts aren’t familiar with the cause or how to prevent it. It is so common that most AC repair services in Massachusetts often get this issue solved. Why? A freezing AC can quickly turn a hot summer day into an uncomfortable one.
But what are the reasons behind this freezing, and what factors influence it? If you’re facing the same issue at home or in your business, we have a detailed guide to help you.
Reasons Your AC Unit Is Freezing Up & How To Fix It?
Understanding what causes an AC unit to freeze and how to fix it can help keep your system running smoothly and prevent costly emergency AC repair. Here’s a guide to help you understand the reasons behind an AC freeze-up and how to resolve the issue.
Blocked Air Flow and Dirty Air Filters
Air conditioners need proper airflow to work efficiently. When airflow is restricted, humidity builds up on the coils, which causes the system to freeze. A blocked air filter is one of the most common culprits behind restricted airflow. Dirty air filters prevent air from circulating properly, which leads to freezing.
How Dirty Air Filters Impact AC Efficiency?
Blocked and dirty air filters impact AC efficiency by limiting airflow. As per the U.S. Department of Energy, regularly changing your air filter can ameliorate your HVAC system’s efficiency by 5% to 15%. If you are experiencing freezing issues, the first thing to check is your air filters. They are inexpensive and easy to replace.
How to Fix It
If you discover that your filters are clogged, turn off the AC immediately. Allow the system to defrost, which should take 1 to 3 hours. After the defrosting period, turn on the fan to help dry out the moisture. While the system is thawing, change the air filter. Once the new filter is in place, your AC should return to its normal operation.
Mechanical Issues or Refrigerant Leaks
An AC unit has many moving parts. Over time, mechanical issues can arise, such as a malfunctioning fan or blocked refrigerant lines. These problems can cause the pressure in the system to drop, leading to the refrigerant expanding too much and getting too cold. Low refrigerant levels are another reason your AC may freeze up.
If there is a refrigerant leak, it may temporarily resolve the issue, but the problem will likely return. This type of problem can be expensive to fix, and it may even be time to replace your unit.
How to Fix It
If you suspect that a mechanical issue or refrigerant leak is causing your AC to freeze, it’s best to call a professional for help. A trusted air conditioning service in Massachusetts can diagnose and repair mechanical problems effectively. If your system has a refrigerant leak, it’s best to leave the job to a trained technician who can safely handle refrigerants.
Cool Summer Nights Cause Freezing
In Massachusetts, the weather can fluctuate, and summer nights can often be cooler than expected. Air conditioners operate within a specific temperature range. When the outside air dips below 60°F, it can cause the AC to malfunction and freeze.
How to Fix It
To prevent your AC from freezing on cool nights, use a programmable thermostat. This way, the thermostat can automatically turn off the air conditioner when the temperature falls below 60°F. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, keep an eye on the weather forecast and manually turn off your AC on cooler nights.
Inadequate Airflow Due To Closed Vents and Dirty Filters
An AC unit needs unrestricted airflow to operate correctly. When vents are closed or if your air filter is dirty, the system cannot properly circulate air. This leads to a buildup of cold air around the evaporator coils, which results in the coils freezing up.
How to Fix It
Make sure all the vents in your home are open and unblocked. If any vents are closed, air can’t flow properly through the system. In addition, clean or replace your AC’s air filters periodically to prevent them from becoming clogged and restricting airflow.
Too Low of a Temperature Setting
If your thermostat is set too low, it can cause the system to overwork and freeze up. Air conditioners are not designed to operate at extremely low temperatures for long periods. When the air temperature is lower than the AC’s intended operating range, the refrigerant can freeze up, causing problems.
How to Fix It
Ensure that your thermostat is set to a proper temperature, usually between 72°F-78°F. If you frequently experience freezing, consider installing a smart, modern thermostat that can help regulate the temperature more effectively and prevent setting it too low.
Improper Freon Levels
Freon, or refrigerant, is responsible for cooling the air inside your AC system. If the refrigerant level is too high or too low, it can affect the system’s efficiency and cause it to freeze. Low levels of refrigerant are often a result of a leak in the system, while high refrigerant levels may be due to an overcharge.
How to Fix It
To resolve refrigerant issues, you’ll need to have a technician inspect your system. Air conditioning repair services can check for leakages and refill the refrigerant to the proper level. It’s not something you should try to fix yourself, as handling refrigerants requires specialized knowledge.
How to Avoid an AC Freeze-Up in the Future?
To avoid calling commercial AC repair and prevent your AC from freezing in the future, there are several proactive steps you can take:
- Change your air filters regularly: Dirty filters are one of the most common causes of restricted airflow, which leads to freezing.
- Keep vents open: Ensure that all vents in your home are unobstructed to allow for proper air circulation.
- Schedule regular maintenance: Having a professional commercial or residential AC repair expert inspect your system yearly can catch problems before they cause an AC freeze-up.
- Install a programmable thermostat: This will help AC regulate the temperature and prevent your AC from running when it’s too cool outside.
- Check refrigerant levels: Be sure your system has the right amount of refrigerant for optimal performance.
Last Words
For many homeowners in Massachusetts, a frozen AC unit can be a common yet frustrating problem. But by partnering with local AC repair services in Massachusetts and opting for some care tips, you can increase the efficiency and lifespan of your AC unit. Regular maintenance, the right temperature settings, and keeping your system clean will help keep your AC running smoothly and efficiently for years to come.
Being a leader in the industry, Endless Energy can resolve this issue for you in the shortest time possible. Along with AC repair, we also offer the installation of new units and coil cleaning services, so your home or business stays comfortable even during scorching heat or freezing winter.
Is your AC freezing up or making strange noises? Call (508) 419-9575 or book us online. Let Endless Energy Make Your Home the Coolest Place to Be!
