When the temperatures start to soar, the last thing that you want is for your air conditioner to freeze up. But this often happens during extreme weather conditions when air conditioning units are overworked and unable to keep up with demand. In this article, we'll explore how to unfreeze an air conditioner and prevent it from happening in the future.
Identifying the Problem
The first step to fixing a frozen air conditioner is to identify the problem. A frozen air conditioner can be caused by several factors, such as clogged filters and dirty coils that restrict airflow. Knowing when it's time for an AC tune-up and when to change the filter plays a key role in reducing the risk of a frozen air conditioner.
Checking the Air Filter
Checking the air filter is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent a frozen air conditioner. Clogged air filters can restrict airflow and cause the coils to freeze up more quickly than they would otherwise. If you notice that your air filter is clogged, change it out as soon as possible and keep an eye on the air filter going forward to avoid a potential breakdown.
Cleaning the Coils
If your air filter is clean and you're still having issues with a frozen air conditioner, it may be time to inspect the coils. Dirty or clogged coils can cause the same problem as a clogged air filter, so cleaning them regularly is important. You can use compressed air or vacuum cleaners to remove dust and dirt from the coils.
Checking Refrigerant Levels
If your air conditioner is still freezing up after cleaning the filters and coils, you may need to check the refrigerant levels. Low refrigerant levels can cause the coils to freeze up if they are not able to absorb enough heat from the air. If your refrigerant levels are low, contact a professional service for HVAC in Dunwoody to refill the unit. They will be able to determine the exact levels and replenish them as needed. Moreover, an expert will be able to diagnose any other potential issues causing the air conditioner to freeze.
Preventing Future Freezing
Once your air conditioner is unfrozen and functioning correctly again, you should take steps to prevent it from freezing up in the future. Regularly checking and replacing the air filter is a great way to keep your system running smoothly. Additionally, make sure to inspect the coils every few months and clean them as needed. Finally, keep an eye on refrigerant levels and contact a professional HVAC technician if they start to get low.
To Wrap Up
It's never fun when your air conditioner freezes up, but the good news is that it can be fixed. Identifying the problem, checking the air filter, cleaning the coils, and checking refrigerant levels are all good ways to prevent a frozen air conditioner. If you encounter any issues that you can't fix yourself, it's important to contact a professional HVAC technician for help. Thank you for reading!
