If you’ve been experiencing problems with your outside air conditioning unit freezing up, don’t panic. There is likely an easy fix, and you can get your AC running smoothly again in no time. Here, we’ll outline some of the most common reasons your AC might be freezing up and provide solutions to help you get things back to normal.
Low Outside Temperature
One of the main reasons your outside air conditioning unit might be freezing up is the low temperature outside. If it’s too cold, the condenser coils can freeze over and prevent proper heat transfer. This usually happens when the temperature dips below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you live in a particularly cold climate, you should consider investing in a cold-weather kit for your air conditioner. This can help insulate the coils and prevent them from freezing over. A popular AC repair service provider notes that cold-weather kits are usually pretty inexpensive and can be found at most hardware stores.
Insufficient Airflow
Insufficient airflow can also cause your outdoor AC unit to freeze up. If air isn’t flowing freely over the coils, they can quickly become too cold and freeze up. This problem is usually caused by something blocking the airflow to the unit, such as:
- Debris around the unit
- A dirty air filter
- Clogged air ducts
If you think insufficient airflow might be the problem, start by checking for debris around the unit and cleaning or removing it if necessary. Then, check your air filter and replace it if it’s dirty. Finally, take a look at your air ducts to see if they need to be cleaned or repaired.
Blower Motor Problems
The blower motor is responsible for moving air through your AC unit or furnace and out into your home. If it isn’t working correctly, then your unit will have to work harder to move air, which can cause it to freeze up. There are a few signs that you have a problem with your blower motor:
- Your furnace is making strange noises
- The airflow from your vents is weak
- Your furnace is cycling on and off more than usual
If you notice any of these problems, you should call a professional to look at your blower motor. A frozen outside air conditioning unit caused by blower motor problems is a serious issue that should be fixed as soon as possible.
Low Coolant Levels
Low coolant levels in your AC unit may also cause freezing problems. Every AC unit has a specific amount of coolant that needs to be in the system in order for it to work properly. If there isn’t enough coolant, the air conditioner will struggle to keep the coils warm, which can cause them to freeze up.
If you think low coolant levels might be the problem, it’s best to call a professional AC repair technician. They will be able to properly diagnose the issue and top off the coolant levels for you. An AC unit operating with low coolant levels will also cause long-term damage to the unit and shorten its lifespan.
Schedule Regular HVAC Unit Maintenance
If you want to save yourself the headache of an HVAC unit freezing up, make sure to schedule regular maintenance check-ups. This way, a trained technician can catch any issues before they cause your unit to malfunction. During these appointments, the technician will:
- Inspect the air conditioner’s coils and fins
- tighten all electrical connections
- lubricate moving parts
- Clear the drain line
- Check the Freon levels
All of these tasks are crucial to keeping your air conditioner running smoothly and efficiently and avoiding costly repairs down the road. If you’re using an older HVAC unit that keeps breaking down or freezing up, it’s time to invest in a new high-efficiency unit, which is more efficient and requires less maintenance.
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