When the temperatures start to get hot, you want to know that you can rely on your air conditioner. However, problems can happen, and that can lead to a malfunctioning unit. A frozen AC system can reduce your home’s cooling, cause higher energy bills, and potentially lead to costly repairs. Why does this occur? Let’s take a look at the main reasons for this common issue with air conditioner systems.
Birmingham, Alabama has a hot and humid climate with long summers, and high temperatures can put a strain on your AC system. Here are five of the most common issues with AC units in the Birmingham area:
1. Poor Airflow
Restricted airflow can cause your air conditioner to freeze. Your unit depends on a consistent flow of warm air to keep the evaporator coils from freezing. When air cannot pass through the system, the refrigerant inside the coils cools to a point where moisture freezes.
There are several reasons for poor airflow. You might just have a dirty air filter. Dust and debris on the filter can prevent air from moving over the evaporator coils. As a result, that can lead to freezing issues. In most cases, changing the filter can alleviate this problem.
Sometimes, poor airflow could be tied to other problems, such as blower motor issues. This part pushes air through the system. The lack of airflow can cause the coils to freeze when the blower malfunctions. A faulty motor may need to be repaired or replaced by a professional HVAC technician.
2. Thermostat Issues
A thermostat is the brain of your air conditioning system. When it does not work, it can lead to many issues, such as a freezing unit. If the thermostat malfunctions, it could signal the unit to run longer than necessary. In turn, your evaporator coils will become extremely cold. Also, if the thermostat is programmed too low, the system can overcool and freeze. You may have to recalibrate the thermostat. If that doesn’t work, then the device may need to be replaced with a newer model.
3. Low Refrigerant Levels
Most systems need refrigerant to operate correctly. When the system is low on it, that can create problems for your system. Refrigerant absorbs heat from inside your home and releases it outside. When these levels are too low, your air conditioner cannot exchange the heat. As a result, the evaporator coil can develop ice. If you spot any ice or frost on the evaporator coils, that is a clear sign of low refrigerant levels. You will want to call a qualified technician to inspect the unit and refill the refrigerant.
4. Drainage Issues
When the air conditioner removes the moisture from your home, that excess will drip into the drain pan and exit through a condensate line. If the pan is full or the line becomes clogged, all the excess moisture can freeze on the evaporator coils.
There are several ways to diagnose this problem. Any excess pooling of water around the unit could mean that there is a clog in the line. Along with that, musty smells are another indicator. When the line is clogged, mold growth and unpleasant odors can occur.
Many times, you can prevent these issues with a maintenance visit. Cleaning the drain pan and condensate lines are part of the services offered during these checkups.
5. Dirty Evaporator Coils
The heat from your home is absorbed through the evaporator coils. They cannot effectively absorb heat when covered with dirt and debris. In turn, the coils can freeze up. Regular maintenance can prevent this from happening in your unit. Dust, pet dander, and other contaminants can build up on the coils over time. Having your air conditioner cleaned once or twice a year can prevent any problems. However, if cleaning does not help, these coils might need to be replaced.
6. Faulty Expansion Valve
The expansion valve controls the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator coils. If this valve is damaged or malfunctioning, your system might not get enough refrigerant in the coils. In these cases, you will need to have a professional inspect and repair the valve. Sometimes, if there are no airflow or refrigerant issues, the likely culprit is the expansion valve.
Proper Maintenance Can Prevent These Problems
While some issues can develop over time, most problems related to a frozen AC result from improper maintenance. When you schedule maintenance twice a year, a technician will complete a full inspection of your system. They will replace your air filters, check refrigerant levels, monitor thermostat settings, and clear the vents. With that, you can stop problems before they leave you without cool air in the summer.
A frozen air conditioner can be a frustrating problem. However, knowing the root causes can help you take the right steps toward a solution. Addressing the problem right away will help restore comfort to your home and prevent damage to your AC system.
Whether you need a maintenance visit or a repair call, the team at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heat in Birmingham is ready to help. We will make sure that your home stays comfortable throughout the year. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.