Are you having trouble with frozen AC? In the middle of summer, it can be shocking to see a lump of ice sitting on your outside air conditioning unit. However, there will be occasions where the ice on the outside of the unit is invisible. You would not expect your air conditioner to freeze up on you on one of the warmest days of the year, but it actually happens quite often. If you think your air conditioner has frozen up,
Read on to find out what you can do about it and how to avoid it from happening again in the future.
1. Melt the Ice
So that the ice can melt, turn off the air conditioner at the breaker box. Keep in mind that the ice may not totally melt for another day. Find a day when you would not be home much, but keep your dogs and the weather in mind. Do not turn on the air conditioner if the evaporator coils have frozen over. Intense strain is placed on the compressor of the air conditioner when the system is run with frozen coils.
The compressor of the air conditioner is the priciest part of the unit. The stress could break a crucial component, costing you more money than you bargained for.
When it comes to breaking the ice, ignore any suggestions that include using something heavy or pointy. This can easily cause difficulties and damage to components.
2. Wipe the Coils Dry
The evaporator coils should be dried after the ice has melted. If the power has been cut off, reconnect it and start the fan. Make sure that the fan or blower is the only appliance being powered by the thermostat. To speed up the drying process, air is blown around and through the coils.
After the coils have dried, your system should function normally again. Even if you know what to do when your AC unit freezes up, it is crucial to take measures to ensure it does not happen again.
3. Clean the Air Filter
A frozen heating and cooling system is most commonly brought on by a dirty air filter. The air filter works to purify the air that is brought into your house. Gradually, it becomes clogged with irritants like dust, pollen, and grime. The airflow is restricted and the aircon coils freeze.
The filter should be checked once a month at the very least. Modify it to fit your needs. Filter adjustments can be affected by a wide range of variables.
- Depends on the filter you are using.
- Time of year and whether or not you live in a high-pollen area
- Whether or not a member of the home smokes
- Someone in your family has a chronic health condition such as asthma, allergies, COPD, or congestive heart failure.
If a new filter is required, Socool Pte Ltd technicians will change it for you during your maintenance visit. Upon request, their staff will evaluate your ducting and provide recommendations for improvements. They inspect ventilation systems for blockages and remove any evidence of bugs or nesting materials.
3. Schedule Routine Service and Coolant Level Checks
A licensed HVAC technician will inspect the entire system as part of the seasonal tune up. This entails maintaining the correct coolant levels and recharging the system as needed.
Do you suspect a leak in the coolant system? A few signs exist for that. Is the air conditioner overheating? Is that a hissing you hear? Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technicians in utilise gauges to check fluid levels. Chemicals used in coolants can be dangerous, so it is best to keep your hands off of them. If at all feasible, have someone else handle it.
5. Have Your Ventilation System Checked Out
One of the most common causes of aircon failure or inefficiency is restricted airflow. When vent returns and registers are obstructed, air cannot properly circulate, much like when a filter becomes clogged.
Without a vent, your system has to work harder to maintain the desired temperature within the building. If the ducting in your home is malfunctioning, the fault may lie with its design or installation. Sometimes the ducts are properly erected, but they are too small for your home or have too little capacity.
6. You Should Probably Check the Weather Predictions
Will there be a dip in temperature during the summer nights? A decent rule of thumb is to turn off the air conditioner when the temperature outside drops.
Your outdoor air conditioner could ice up if you run it on cooler evenings. Installing a specialised ambient temperature control will assist stop your unit from kicking on in cooler temperatures.
Also read: Why Won’t My Air Conditioner Turn On?
