8 Reasons Why Your AC Is Freezing Up and You Need to Call an Air Conditioning Service | Mansfield, TX
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Have you recently noticed a build-up of frost around your air conditioning unit? We understand that it can be hard to imagine! The same product that helps to keep us cool in the scorching heat is prone to freezing itself. Unfortunately, not much is known about the causes and signs of frozen air conditioners, despite it being a common problem.
To recognize when it’s time for an air conditioning service in the Mansfield, TX area, it is important that you understand why and how your air conditioner is frozen. The following are some of the most evident causes of a frozen air conditioner.
1. Low Amount of Refrigerant
In a well-functioning air conditioner, the evaporator coil normally expands the refrigerant inside it which causes the coil to cool quickly. This helps in heat transfer as the refrigerant absorbs the heat from the air inside of your home and sends its outside. But when the amount of refrigerant is low, there is less transfer of heat which facilitates freezing the coils freeze.
2. Reduced or Restricted Airflow
Ideally, your air conditioner system must draw warm air through the evaporator coils and into the ductwork to transfer the heat outside the room. In the meanwhile, when the moisture from the warm air condenses on the coils, the heated refrigerant prevents this moisture from freezing. However, in a faulty air conditioning unit, restriction in heat transfer results in poor airflow. When this happens, the heat no longer gets through to the evaporator coil and thus allows the condensed air to turn into ice. To save yourself from the trouble of having an unexpectedly low airflow, make sure to have a regular air conditioning service. It is best to have professional diagnose what may be restricting the airflow and hence freezing the air conditioner.
3. Insufficient Fan Speed
The amount of air that blows over the evaporator coil of an air conditioner is determined by the speed of its fan. It must, therefore, blow fast enough to allow enough airflow around the coil so that it does not freeze. A professional and well-reputed air conditioning service can conveniently increase the fan speed to prevent your cooling system from freezing.
4. Refrigerant Leak
The pressure in the evaporator coil can be reduced by even a minor cut in the refrigerant line. When this happens, the refrigerant is forced to expand more making the coil colder. The cold coil then causes the droplets around it to freeze. In case the system continues to lose the refrigerant, a greater amount of ice can be expected to accumulate on the coils. This complex problem can easily be fixed if you get a proper air conditioning service to come help.
5. Malfunctioning Blower
The essential function of a blower fan in a central cooling system is to pull warm air into the air ducts and then re-distribute cool air throughout your home. Hence, when the blower fan or its motor breaks down or stops functioning, the process of heat transfer stops. This causes the water vapors around the evaporator coils to freeze in case the air conditioner continues to run. A skilled professional can identify and resolve this issue easily.
6. Low Outdoor Temperature
Any unexpected cool nights during hot summers can cause your air conditioner to freeze. This is because the cooling system is not designed to function in low temperatures. A central air conditioning unit needs the warm outdoor temperature to transfer heat outside your home. But in times when the temperature drops, a layer of ice forms on the coil preventing it from operating properly. You can avoid this by getting regular air conditioning service or by not operating your air conditioner in cooler weather.
7. Problematic Thermostat
A thermostat controls the temperature inside a room by switching the blower on or off depending on the temperature that you set up initially. However, in case of a faulty thermostat, your air conditioner may even run all night causing the air conditioner to freeze. This will not only increase your energy bills tremendously but also result in a lot of energy waste. An air conditioning service can help you eliminate this damage by inspecting the problem in its early phases.
8. Dirty Evaporator Coils
Proper maintenance of evaporator coils is crucial for optimal AC performance. Over time, debris and dust particles accumulate in ductwork and air filters, hindering airflow to the air conditioner. These obstacles prevent the refrigerant from efficiently absorbing heat, leading to excessive freezing around the coil. To ensure your AC operates smoothly, regular cleaning and replacement of dirty filters, clearing clogged air ducts, unblocking supply registers, and addressing any duct leakage are essential Tips to get the best out of AC. While attempting DIY filter cleaning may seem tempting, it can potentially harm both you and your air conditioner. Opting for professional cleaning and maintenance is always advisable to maintain peak AC efficiency.
Symptoms of a Frozen AC
Since most of the causes that lead to a frozen air conditioner are due to internal wear and tear of the AC unit, it can be hard to tell whether your air conditioning unit is close to freezing or not. The following are some warning signs that necessitate an air conditioning service.
- You’ve noticed the supply registers are warm or blocked
- The room is warm even when the air conditioner is running constantly
- The access panel to the evaporator has ice around it
- There is evidently less airflow coming through the vents
- Copper coils are encased in ice
- Your filters are extremely dusty and dirty
- Even when the room temperature has reached the thermostat setting, you can still sense a running cycle inside your air conditioning unit
Air Conditioning Services in Mansfield, TX
If you’ve noticed one or more of the symptoms mentioned in this article, chances are that your air conditioner has either frozen already or is on the verge of it. But don’t panic!
Contact Minuteman Heating and Air of Mansfield, TX at 817-284-2569 for the best air conditioning service in the Mansfield, TX area.Their highly qualified and licensed team of technicians will ensure to restore your comfort buy solving all your air conditioning problems.