What Causes a Frozen AC Unit in the Summer?
No matter where you go in the U.S., you will find that the majority of people, 88% in fact, use air conditioners in their homes. This is especially true in the middle of summertime.
If you own an AC, then you know how important it is when temperatures start to rise, so the last thing you want is for it to break. And one lesser known occurrence is a frozen AC unit during the summer.
Learn about why this happens and how to prevent it below.
Causes of a Frozen AC Unit
It may seem odd to have your AC frozen when it is hot outside. But, it happens more often than you think. There are several factors that lead to this situation that include environmental conditions and improper maintenance.
Extensive Summer Use
Summer conditions are a primary reason that an HVAC unit is frozen because an AC runs more when it’s hot, using an average of 3,000 to 5,000 watts a day. This means that more hot air is being pulled into the AC for longer periods, thus creating more work to transform hot air into cold air.
Air is pushed over a metal coil filled with refrigerant that acts as a coolant. This process creates condensation which can become excessive after running the AC all day and when the air is extremely hot.
Buildup on Coils and Filter
In addition to the weather, summer HVAC maintenance mistakes lead to dirty coils. When a buildup of grim covers the coils then it can’t operate efficiently when trying to cool down the heat. This means the refrigerant doesn’t get hot like it is supposed to.
The coils remain at a colder-than-normal temperature and can reach a freezing point if the AC runs long enough in this condition.
Water vapor from the heat turns to frost instead of liquid when the coils remain cold, which leads to a frozen AC.
Clogged filters can also limit the amount of air that flows over the coils, reducing the heat needed to warm the refrigerant.
Consequences of a Frozen AC
Avoiding AC maintenance has many consequences and one of them is the possibility of a frozen unit. Once it is frozen, your AC may just stop working without warning, leaving you in the heat of the summer with no relief.
If you know that your AC is frozen while it is still working, unfreezing and cleaning it is also a hassle. Water can get into the inside of your AC, which can damage the entire unit.
Getting Help With AC Freezing Prevention
Your best defense against a frozen AC unit is preventative HVAC maintenance by a trained professional from J & M Smith Heating and Air. Checking your coil condition and changing your air filter will prevent buildup and improve airflow to transfer heat effectively.
Get help with your AC maintenance by contacting us today.
