We’ve dealt with a lot of HVAC situations here at Jco Heating & Air Conditioning. Unfortunately, one of the most common concerns (and one that can be especially frustrating) that people in Oregon ask about is, “Why do AC units freeze up?
The simple answer is, there are many reasons why this happens. An HVAC unit needs proper airflow to keep the cold coil warm. Warm air is needed for the coil to stay cold, keeping the temperature above freezing. Without a steady supply of warm air, coils will freeze before condensed water can be drained away. Since closed air registers and dirty air filters can block the flow of air, we recommend checking your HVAC air filter to make sure registers are both open and clear. A freeze-up can also occur because of low levels of refrigerant, which makes coils too cold. A malfunctioning fan can also be at fault since it can prevent air from moving the way it should.
Drainage issues and a broken thermostat can also be the culprit when you’re looking for answers to freezing issues. An AC unit condenses water vapor into liquid, which drains outside. If the coils are frozen, ice will block the drain hole. While the unit will still run, it won’t efficiently cool your home and will use excessive amounts of electricity. Running an AC unit with frozen coils for any length of time can cause major damage to the compressor – the most expensive component of an AC unit. This is definitely a repair you don’t want to make!
If you think your HVAC unit may have frozen up on you, don’t hesitate to call the certified technicians here at Jco Heating & Air Conditioning. It’s just one of the many issues we can handle for you. We are proud to be a part of the Oregon community and work hard to earn your trust in us.