Tips to Prevent a Frozen A/C This Summer

July 26, 2016

In the summer, your air conditioner works around the clock to keep you and your family comfortable. Unfortunately, it can get overworked and experience certain problems. One common problem is freezing. Believe it or not, it's possible to have a frozen air conditioner even when it's scorching outside. How does this happen? Is the issue preventable? Read on to find out.

What causes a frozen air conditioner?

There are two main reasons an A/C system may freeze. First, the airflow in your home may be restricted. This stops air from moving through the system. The movement of air usually prevents freezing of the condensate on your A/C coil. If airflow restriction is not responsible for the freezing, the other likely culprit is refrigerant problems such as leaks. Refrigerant leaks can occur when moving A/C parts rub together over time. They can also occur where fittings and joints are loose. Improper charging of the refrigerant can also cause your air conditioner to freeze.

How can you prevent your A/C from freezing?

Freezing can damage important parts of your air conditioner if left too long. Fortunately, you can use the tips below to prevent this problem.
  • Change your air filters regularly - A dirty filter is a primary culprit of restricted airflow, which can freeze your A/C up. Manufacturers usually recommend changing your filters every three months. However, it's advisable to change them monthly in the summer months because of heavy usage.
  • Schedule an A/C tuneup - Your system should get at least two tuneups each year to keep it clean and efficient. During the tuneup, an HVAC professional will check your system's refrigerant levels, electrical connections and A/C coils among other things, and make the necessary adjustments.
It's a good idea to schedule a tuneup earlier in the summer before HVAC pros get busier. You'll benefit from lower costs, for example by avoiding emergency service charges. To learn more about preventing a frozen air conditioner from ruining your home comfort, contact us at Lozier Heating & Cooling. We serve the Des Moines area. Our goal is to help educate our customers in the greater Des Moines, Iowa area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: "GSPhotography/Shutterstock"