What to Do When Your HVAC Freezes Up in Summer: 5 Easy Fixes
Believe it or not, the warmer weather can sometimes freeze your HVAC system and leave you without cooling. Even the mild Seattle heat can put strain on your AC unit.
A ‘frozen’ HVAC may not look obvious right off the bat. This issue can be caused by subtle problems like condensation or icy build-up on your indoor coils and refrigerant lines. If left unchecked, your system can waste energy, increase your energy bill, or even shut down.
Do you know what to do when your HVAC freezes up in the summer? With our guide, you’ll have the tools you need to spot subtle problems and stay cool all summer long.
5 Top Causes of a Frozen AC Unit
A frozen AC unit may show signs such as a sudden shutdown or odd sounds like gurgling and hissing. Why is your AC frozen and where do these issues come from?
Clogged Air Filter
Air filters need to be clean enough to allow proper airflow in and out of your home. Proper airflow helps regulate your HVAC unit’s temperature. If these filters become too dirty and dusty, this restricted airflow causes the coils to get too cold and ice over.
Broken or Dirty Coils
The coils in your AC unit help remove heat from the air and regulate refrigerant temperature. If they’ve become damaged or too dirty, they can’t transfer heat and can start to freeze over.
Broken Thermostat
A faulty thermostat can provide incorrect readings, telling your unit the air is warm when it’s cold and vice versa. These incorrect readings can cause your AC unit to run too long or at the wrong times.
Old AC System
Sometimes what you need to do when your HVAC freezes up in the summer is get a replacement. If your AC unit is over eight years old, you’re likely dealing with aging parts that can’t cool your home like they used to.
We offer fast, energy-efficient HVAC installations that will hold up to years of use.
Low Refrigerant
If your AC unit doesn’t have enough refrigerant, it won’t regulate pressure or temperature well and will freeze over. You’ll know you have a low refrigerant problem if your AC unit runs for far too long or can’t seem to cool your home no matter the setting.
Air conditioning services are a simple way of spotting major or minor issues in your unit. Our experienced technicians have been helping Seattle homeowners with all kinds of AC problems since 1994.
What You Should Do if Your AC Freezes
Are you seeing frosty build-up on the coils of your outdoor unit or hearing strange sounds? Here’s what you should do if your HVAC freezes in summer (or earlier):
Turn the cooling off and run the fan to help thaw.
Check and replace the filter.
Ensure vents are fully open.
If it refreezes or airflow is weak, call for a professional inspection.
Do you think your AC unit is damaged? We can easily fix it with our AC repair services.
Easy Prevention Tips for Homeowners
Now that you know how to tell if your AC is frozen, it’s time to reduce the risks of this happening in the first place.
Replace your filters every three months.
Make sure your supply vents and returns are unblocked.
Keep the outdoor unit clear of debris.
Schedule seasonal maintenance before peak summer use.
You don’t have to maintain your AC unit on your own. Blue Flame Comfort offers local AC maintenance that can clean out your system and get it functioning again.
Blue Flame Comfort Will Get Your AC Ready for Summer
You should look forward to long, lazy summer days. Instead of dreading poor AC performance, Blue Flame Comfort can send a technician to restore your system to working condition.
Our service area spans Seattle and surrounding areas, including Bellevue, Everett, and Redmond. With our ongoing specials and local expertise, it’s never been easier to stay cool.
Need service? Give us a call or schedule service online to get your AC ready for summer!