Why Does My Central Air Unit Keep Freezing Up?

As a homeowner, you rely on your central air unit to keep you cool and comfortable during the hot summer months. However, if your unit keeps freezing, it can be a major inconvenience. Not only does it prevent your home from being properly cooled, but it can also lead to costly repairs if left unchecked. To help you identify your issue, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common reasons why central air units freeze up. We’ll also walk you through what you can do to prevent it from happening.

Understanding Central Air Units

Before going into why your central air unit might be freezing up, it’s important to understand how it works. Central air units pull in warm air from your home and cool it with refrigerant. The cooled air is then distributed back into your home through ducts and vents. This process is repeated until your home reaches the desired temperature.

Proper maintenance and operation of your central air unit are essential to keeping it running smoothly. Dirty filters, blocked ducts, and low refrigerant levels can all cause your unit to work harder than it should, leading to freezing and other issues.

Common Reasons Why Central Air Units Freeze Up

There are several common reasons why your central air unit might be freezing up:

1. Insufficient airflow. When your unit doesn’t receive enough airflow, the evaporator coil can become too cold and freeze over. This can be caused by dirty air filters, blocked ducts, or a malfunctioning blower fan.
2. Low refrigerant levels. Refrigerant cools the air in your unit, so if you have a low level, your unit will have to work harder to cool your home. This can lead to freezing, as well as other issues.
3. Mechanical failures. Broken parts, such as a faulty thermostat or a malfunctioning compressor, can cause your unit to work improperly and lead to freezing.

What to Do When Your Central Air Unit Freezes Up

If your central air unit freezes up, you can take several immediate steps. First, turn off your unit and let it thaw out completely. This can take several hours, so be patient. Once your unit has thawed, check your air filters and ducts for any blockages. If you find any, clean them out and replace any dirty filters.

If the issue persists, it’s time to call in a professional. A trained HVAC technician can identify the root cause of the problem and make the necessary repairs. They can also perform routine maintenance on your unit to prevent future freezing.

To keep this from happening in the future, it’s essential to take preventive measures. This includes regularly cleaning your air filters and ducts, ensuring proper airflow, and scheduling regular maintenance with a professional.

Why Does My Central Air Keep Freezing Up: Recurring Issues

If your central air unit keeps freezing up, it’s important to understand the potential long-term damage and costs. Recurring freezing can cause damage to your unit’s components, leading to costly repairs or even the need for a replacement unit.

It’s also vital to address recurring issues promptly. Ignoring the problem can cause it to worsen and lead to more significant issues down the line.

Advice for Homeowners Dealing With a Freezing Central Air Unit

A freezing central air unit can be a major inconvenience for homeowners. However, by understanding the common reasons why it happens and taking preventive measures, you can ensure that your unit runs smoothly and efficiently. Regular maintenance and professional help, when needed, are essential to keeping your unit running properly and avoiding costly repairs down the line. So, if you’re dealing with a freezing central air unit, don’t panic. Take the necessary steps to identify the issue and make the necessary repairs. Need help from a professional? Contact Cromwell Energy today! We’re here to help take care of your central air unit, that way, it will take care of you all summer long.