It can be frustrating and uncomfortable when your air conditioner freezes in the middle of a hot summer season. You might wonder, “What causes an AC to freeze up in summer?” This common issue in Milton, MA, can be attributed to several factors. In this guide, Green Energy Mechanical Inc. will explain why your air conditioner is freezing up, how to prevent it, and what steps to take if it happens.
If you need the best AC repair services in Milton, read on to understand more about this problem and how to address it.
Common Causes of AC Freeze Up in Summer
The summer season is when your air conditioner works the hardest. Unfortunately, this is also when it’s most likely to freeze up. Understanding what causes an AC to freeze up in summer helps you take preventive measures and avoid costly repairs. Several factors contribute to this issue:
Low Refrigerant Levels
When the refrigerant level is too low, it can’t absorb heat efficiently. This inefficiency leads to a drop in pressure within the system, causing the evaporator coil to freeze. Refrigerant is essential for the cooling process, and the entire system struggles without sufficient levels.
Symptoms of low refrigerant include insufficient cooling, longer cooling cycles, and ice buildup on the refrigerant lines. If left unchecked, low refrigerant levels can lead to more severe damage to your AC unit, requiring extensive repairs.
Dirty Air Filters
Clogged air filters restrict airflow, which can cause the evaporator coil’s temperature to drop and freeze. When air filters are dirty, they block the necessary airflow that keeps the evaporator coil warm enough to prevent freezing.
This not only leads to a frozen coil but also reduces the overall efficiency of your air conditioner, causing higher energy bills and less effective cooling.
Blocked or Closed Vents
What causes an AC to freeze in summer? Restricted airflow due to blocked or closed vents can also lead to freezing.
When vents are blocked or closed, the cool air has nowhere to go, causing it to back up and cool the evaporator coil excessively. This restriction may be caused by furniture, drapes, or simply closed vents in rooms that are not in use.
Malfunctioning Thermostat
A thermostat that isn’t working properly can cause an HVAC system to run continuously, leading to a freeze-up. If the thermostat is malfunctioning, it may not accurately read the room temperature, causing the AC to overwork. This constant operation can drop the temperature of the evaporator coil too low, resulting in a freeze.
Fan Problems
If the fan isn’t working correctly, it can’t circulate the air properly, which could cause the coil to freeze. The fan plays a crucial role in moving air over the evaporator coil and through the ducts. Issues such as a faulty fan motor, loose fan belt, or obstructed fan blades can reduce airflow, leading to a frozen coil.
Regular maintenance and inspections of the fan components can identify and fix these problems before they cause a freeze-up.
How To Prevent Your Air Conditioner from Freezing Up in Milton, MA
Prevention is always better than cure. Taking the following steps can help you avoid the inconvenience of an air conditioner freeze-up during the summer season:
- Regular Maintenance: Schedule regular maintenance with a professional to keep all parts of your AC in good working condition.
- Change Air Filters: Replace air filters regularly to maintain proper airflow.
- Check Refrigerant Levels: Have a professional check the refrigerant levels and refill them if necessary.
- Unblock Vents: Open and unblock all vents to allow proper air circulation.
- Monitor the Thermostat: Ensure your thermostat is functioning correctly and set to a reasonable temperature.
These preventive measures help keep your air conditioner running smoothly throughout the summer. They also catch minor problems in their early stages before they have a chance to turn into major headaches (and expenses).
Rely on Green Energy Mechanical Inc. for Your Cooling Needs in Milton, MA
Understanding what causes an AC to freeze up in summer is essential for maintaining a comfortable home in Milton, MA. Issues such as low refrigerant levels, dirty air filters, and blocked vents are common culprits.
At Green Energy Mechanical Inc., we provide reliable solutions to prevent and fix AC freeze-ups. If your AC capacitor keeps failing, we can help. Our expert team ensures your system runs efficiently and stays cool all summer. Call us at 781-236-3421 for the best AC repair services in Milton.
