If your AC is freezing up and you want to fix it, you are in luck. Here, I will share how to fix an AC freezing up with a few quick fixing tips you can use at home. And also how to prevent this issue in the future.
AC freezing happens a lot of time, and it is common. Homeowners do not have the knowledge of how to prevent this problem on their own.
- It is a problem that can turn your beautiful summer day into a frustrating sweating machine.
That is why you must know how this AC system works. The critical parts of an AC unit and what may cause this AC freezing problem. So you can fix them at home without paying anyone a penny.
How does an Air Conditioner Work
I will share the process in a short format. The primary work of an AC is to expand the refrigerant (a cooling gas) inside the evaporator coil. When the gas leaves the air conditioner, it cools the air inside your house and removes the hot air.
If this whole cooling process got disrupted by any means. The evaporator coil will release a big amount of refrigerant gas into the system. That will cause the AC to freeze up in a short time.
So how can you fix this issue? Follow the handmade solution below. But if they do not work, you have no other option than to call a professional.
Also read: Why my Air Conditioner Leaking Water.
Table of Contents
Quick Fix for AC Freezing Up in a Few Steps
First, check the Supply Register and know if it is warm. If it is, it is a good sign, and you can open it. Open the panel and check for any ice.
If you see ice in good quantity, your AC got frozen, and these are the common fixes for you to apply.
1. The Air Flow Got Blocked
Your AC needs constant airflow. So that humidity can not settle on the coils and freeze. If it is dirty and clogged, the air will not pass the filter as expected, causing mismanagement in the AC system.
If this continues, the evaporator coil will not do its job. And the refrigerant gas will not have air to cool it. And that will become a cause of freezing.
The best solution is you change the AC air filter as possible. If not, then clean it using a brush and water.
- Air filters can improve the efficiency of your HVAC equipment by 15 percent.
First, turn off the AC and let it defrost for about an hour. Then turn on the fan for about an hour. Then use this time to change your air filter.
For cleaning, you need an AC cleaning machine. You can remove those filters, use detergent to clean them off, and then reassemble them.
2. There is a Leak in the Refrigerant Tank
The refrigerant is an essential part of regulating temperature throughout your AC machine. If it leaks and becomes low in quantity, it may cause the AC to freeze up.
But do not worry. It is an easy fix. change the refrigerant. It may cost you about $20-$30. locate that oval shape small gas cylinder and replace it.
You can do it at home, but you call someone who knows the stuff and can do cleaning there. Although, that refrigerant is not harmful to you. But for your safety, ask for help.
Also, read: Why my AC is not Blowing Any Cold Air.
3. Outside Cold Weather is Causing the Problem
If the outside temperature is low, then it may cause the AC to freeze. Use a programmable thermostat and shut off the Air Conditioner. It will turn off when the room temperature gets below a certain degree.
If you do not have that thermostat, turn off the AC at night to prevent it from getting freezing up. Open your window to let in the cold air. Do not use the AC unless it is an necessity.
Who Else Can Cause These AC Frozen Problems
Some other things can also create AC freezing problems. Those are as below.
- Blocked air vent or air register
- Collapsed air duct
- Clogged air filter
- Blower issues
- Clogged evaporator coil
- Leak in the refrigerant system
- Blockage in the refrigerant system
- Frozen evaporator coil
While checking for any possible issue, check these things too. So you try cleaning them to solve this issue. But my AC is freezing up too soon. Is there any way to fix it before it freezes? Yes, there is, as listed below.
How to Avoid this AC Unit Freezing Up Problem
The best defense here is the prevention from freezing up in the first place. If you did that, you would not have to worry about dealing with ice in your air conditioner. So here are three tips to prevent this kind of issue.
- Do an Annual Inspections: Learn the basic things about the AC, keep an eye on them, and clean the parts. You can also call that HVAC technician to have a look at it which may take more than 2 hours to do so and a buck from your pocket.
- Maintenance: Do this every six months. Clean the condensing unit, the coils, fans, evaporator coils, and the compressor. And make sure the AC is in perfect condition and not ready to clog.
- Change Air Filters: You should change the air filter every 90 days or at least once a year. The average replacement time is 90 days. So make sure you replace them on time to keep fresh airflow moving.
Follow these homemade solutions, your Air Conditioner will run for decades. You will not have any AC freezing issues in the future.
Air Conditioner Freezing Up FAQs
Why is my AC Freezing Up?
Your AC is freezing up because there is a leak in the Refrigerant or the Airflow got blocked. It is causing the Air Conditioner to function oddly.
How to Fix AC Freezing Issue?
To fix this issue, change the air filter, replace the refrigerant tank, and clean the AC in every way possible. Your AC will not freeze anymore.
What causes the AC to freeze up?
A blocked air vent or leak in the AC refrigerant in your AC can cause it. Check them well to solve this issue.
Last Words
Look, AC freezing up is a common, frustrating problem most homeowner face. But if you know how to deal with it, it will become easy for you to maintain AC. You will be able to prevent that freezing problem from happening in the first place.
I hope you are applying these solutions to your AC. If that works, if not, call your HVAC technician. Fix it as soon as possible, as these can kill your mood and your beautiful summer day.
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