Empire HVAC Explains: Why is My Air Conditioner Frozen?

Frozen Air Conditioner

During the hot summer months in Atlanta, you are more likely to run into air conditioning problems. If you notice that your home is not cooling fast enough, know that there are several reasons why this could occur. One of common causes that people seem to overlook is a frozen air conditioning unit. It may be difficult to imagine how it could freeze in the hot summer months, but it happens more than you think.

Why is My Air Conditioner Frozen?

If you notice that your unit has a sheet of ice covering it, you have a frozen air conditioner. There are four main reasons why this occurs:

  1. Insufficient Air Flow – If the air flow is restricted, the evaporator coil temperature will drop below freezing. When the humidity in the air builds up, so does the ice. Before long, you notice that your home is warmer because the cooling capacity of the system has greatly decreased.
  2. Problem With the Refrigerant (R-22) in the System – If there is a leak or a low level of refrigerant. pressure will drop and accumulation around the coil will occur. Accumulation around the coil can cause the coil to freeze.
  3. Outside Temperatures – If the temp drops below 60 degrees at night, it will not operate well and it could freeze up. Most systems are not designed to function well in temperatures below that level.
  4. Mechanical Failure – If your refrigerant lines have kinks in them, your blower fan is not working optimally or your filter dryer is clogged, the pressures in your system will be affected and could make your central unit freeze up.

What Should You Do If This Happens To You?

If you find that your air conditioning unit is not performing well and is in need of repair, contact us today at Empire HVAC to find a solution to the problem. If your unit is frozen, turn it off and allow it to defrost so that it can be inspected. Whether it’s a simple kink in your lines or a more serious issue, our Atlanta HVAC experts will be able to determine the damage and repair the unit.

We understand that it’s not always convenient to replace an entire unit or to have to pay for unexpected repairs. Thanks to our Customer Assurance Pricing, you’ll know exactly how much the repair will cost. Contact Us today!

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