Regardless of the time of year, a frozen A/C unit can be a pain to deal with. During the winter, however, A/C systems are more vulnerable to frost and ice buildup during operation. Frost and ice buildup can lead to a slew of other problems with your A/C system, which is why prevention is usually the best policy.
Here’s how you can keep your A/C unit from freezing up this winter:
Be mindful of outdoor temperatures.
Operating your A/C system in below-freezing temperatures will significantly increase your unit’s odds of freezing up. If you need to run your A/C unit, it’s best to do so when temperatures are above freezing.
Keep trees and shrubbery away from your equipment.
Having shrubs, trees and other foliage in close proximity to your A/C unit can hinder its airflow, making heavy frost and ice buildup more likely. Branches, leaves and twigs shed from nearby trees and shrubs can enter the unit and cause airflow problems.
Keep those evaporator coils clean.
Dirty evaporator coils can easily lead to a frozen A/C unit. To avoid damaging the coils, you should have them cleaned by a professional.
Avoid blocking off vents and registers.
Closing off vents in unused rooms may seem like a money-saving move, but the restricted airflow will make your A/C system more likely to freeze up.
Keep an eye on refrigerant levels.
Low refrigerant levels can make your A/C system more susceptible to freezing, especially under wintertime conditions. Have your HVAC technician check for leaks and recharge the refrigerant as needed.
Change your air filter regularly.
A clogged air filter can also create airflow blockages that make ice and frost buildup more likely. You should have your air filter changed at least once every three months unless otherwise specified by your HVAC manufacturer.
If you need expert help with your frozen a/c unit, contact us at Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing. For over 40 years, we’ve helped countless homeowners in the Indianapolis area take care of their heating and cooling needs.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Brownsburg, Indiana and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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