A home’s air conditioner is one of its most important appliances. Not only does it keep your home cool in the summer months, but it also helps to circulate the air and keeps your family healthy. HVAC maintenance is a key part of keeping your home comfortable and energy efficient. You should make it a priority to schedule regular tune-ups and keep your AC unit clean and in good working order. Still, even if you’re proactive about maintenance, you may run into issues with your HVAC from time to time. If your air conditioner freezes up, don’t panic. There are a few things you can do to fix the problem. If you’re not sure where to start, keep reading to learn what to do if your AC freezes up.
What can you do if your AC freezes up?
The weather is warmer and you’re ready to turn on your air conditioner, but you keep experiencing the AC freezing up. What could have caused this and how do you thaw out the coils and get your AC unit up and running again? There are a few different things that could have caused your AC unit to freeze up. One of the most common reasons is a lack of airflow. If the coils are frozen over, it’s likely because there’s not enough air circulating around them to keep them cool. This can be caused by a dirty air filter, blocked vents, or something else blocking the airflow.
Another common reason for an AC unit to freeze up is a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant is a substance that is used in air conditioners and refrigerators to cool the air or the contents inside. The refrigerant is circulated around the appliance by a compressor, and the heat is removed from the air or contents and expelled into the environment. If the refrigerant level is too low, the coils will not be able to cool and will freeze up. If you’re not sure what’s causing your AC unit to freeze up, you can contact a professional to come and take a look. They will be able to diagnose the problem and help you get your AC up and running again.
The best way to prevent HVAC problems is to be proactive about preventive maintenance. That includes changing the filter at least once every 90 days, though many experts recommend monthly filter changes. You should also have the unit itself inspected at least once annually. The average lifespan of an HVAC system is between ten and fifteen years. If your system is over a decade old, you may want to talk to an HVAC technician about a replacement.
How else can you maintain your preferred indoor climate?
An upgrade that every homeowner should consider is switching to a smart thermostat. There are many benefits of having a smart thermostat in your home. For one, a smart thermostat can save you money on your energy bill. They can be programmed to automatically adjust the temperature based on your schedule and preferences, which can reduce your energy usage and save money. Additionally, it can provide you with useful insights into your energy consumption. They can monitor how much energy you use and when, so you can see where you might be able to make changes. Anyone trying to live sustainably can use these features to reduce their overall carbon footprint.
There are a few other ways that you can keep your home cool in the summer too. One is to keep the sun out of your home as much as possible. You can do this by closing the curtains and keeping the windows shaded. By using window treatments, you can reduce the amount of direct sunlight inside your house, which will keep your home cooler. Window treatments can also trap the cool air in your home, which will save you money on your utility bill. Another way to keep your home cool is to use fans. Fans can help to circulate the air. Airflow and ventilation can make a big difference in your comfort when the temperature starts to climb.
Homeowners have a lot of options when it comes to keeping their home cool, no matter what the temperature is outside. Still, your HVAC is always going to be your first line of defense against elevated temperatures. That’s why you need to take good care of your system and have it inspected if anything goes wrong. If your AC freezes up, the good news is that it’s usually a simple fix and it won’t take long to get the system up and running again. Just make sure you prioritize preventive care and maintenance in the future, as it can help you avoid breakdowns and other HVAC issues.