You count on your air conditioning system to keep you cool and comfortable during those hot Texas summers. Unfortunately, you may encounter some problems with your system when the evaporator coil freezes up.
What causes an air conditioning system to freeze? Here are some of the more common reasons why this may happen to your HVAC unit.
Poor Airflow
When your air conditioner freezes up, it may be due to inadequate airflow. Damaged air ducts could be to blame, making it harder for the warm air inside your home to flow over the evaporator coils. This can result in condensation. Meanwhile, your compressor will continue to run, which can lead to that condensation turning into ice.
Dirty Air Filter
If your ducts are acceptable, it may be as simple as the air filter obstructing your airflow. You need to check the air filter every month and change it accordingly. When dirty and caked in dust, it won’t let enough air through, leading to ice formations on your evaporator coil.
Low Levels of Refrigerant
An air conditioning system that has low refrigerant levels or is leaking refrigerant can quickly develop ice buildup. Too low a refrigerant level means your HVAC unit can’t work correctly. The reduced pressure could result in water vapor freezing onto the surface of the evaporator coil.
When you have low refrigerant levels, it’s usually a sign that there’s a leak somewhere in your system. It’s imperative to have this professionally repaired as soon as possible because refrigerant can pose a severe health hazard to you and your family.
Faulty Blower Fan
The blower fan may have worn out or been so damaged that it can’t provide enough airflow, leading to frozen coils. Since the blower fan is a crucial part of this system, you will want to call for HVAC repairs immediately because it can impact the rest of the system.
Clogged Condensate Drain Line
Your air conditioner works by transferring heat from the inside of your home to the outside. The moisture from the air will create condensation that is supposed to drain out of your home through the condensate drain line. However, when you don’t maintain your unit, clogs can form in the condensate drain line, which will cause the drip tray to overflow. It could also freeze if the surface of the evaporator coil is too cold.
How Do I Prevent Freezing Up My Air Conditioner?
The better care you put into your air conditioning system, the less likely you’ll be to have it freeze up on you. You’ll want to do your part by checking your air filter once per month and changing it out if it’s dirty. You’ll also want to ensure you schedule routine maintenance for your HVAC system.
A professional technician will expertly clean and inspect your air conditioning to keep it in tip-top shape. Even with proper maintenance, aging air conditioning units can sometimes freeze up. Don’t hesitate to call for air conditioning repair in Katy, TX, if you notice any troubling signs.
