When Summer Heat Meets Frozen AC: The Surprising Reality Facing Paramus Homeowners

It sounds like a contradiction – your air conditioning unit freezing up during the hottest days of summer. Yet air conditioners freezing up is something that happens a lot, leaving countless Paramus homeowners scratching their heads as they discover ice coating their cooling systems when they need them most. Understanding why this occurs and knowing how to address it can save you from costly emergency repairs and uncomfortable summer nights.

The Science Behind Summer AC Freezing

Your air conditioning system works by expanding refrigerant in the evaporator coil to cool the air. The point of an air conditioner is to expand the refrigerant inside the evaporator coil so that it cools down, so when it leaves the air conditioner, it cools the air inside your home and effectively removes the hot air from inside the house. However, if something in the air conditioner malfunctions, the whole system gets disrupted. When this delicate balance is thrown off, ice formation becomes inevitable.

Common Causes of AC Freezing in Summer

This is usually caused by low refrigerant levels, insufficient airflow over the coils, defective fans or components, and dirty filters which restrict air flow. Let’s examine each cause in detail:

Dirty Air Filters and Restricted Airflow

The most common cause of an AC unit freezing is having a dirty air filter or blocked vent. The leading cause of a frozen HVAC system is a dirty air filter. As your AC system runs throughout the summer, the filter catches dirt, pollen, dust, and other allergens, which can restrict airflow and lead the HVAC coils to freeze. When airflow is restricted, the evaporator coil becomes too cold, causing moisture to freeze on its surface.

Low Refrigerant Levels

If you find yourself asking ‘why does my ac keep freezing up’ in the summer, low refrigerant levels may be to blame. When the refrigerant levels fall below the needed amount, it throws off the balance and causes your air conditioner freezing up. Low refrigerant levels are usually an indicator of a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant leaks can lead to ice buildup on your air conditioner. Instead, the temperature of your coils will drop below freezing due to the lack of refrigerant. With coils this cold, water vapor will freeze on the coil’s surface.

Malfunctioning Blower Fans

If the AC blower fan is malfunctioning and not blowing any air, or not blowing enough air, then eventually the frozen evaporator coil will stop the air conditioner from working. Proper airflow is essential for preventing ice formation on the coils.

Blocked Condensate Drains

A drainage line leads the condensed moisture (water) away from the cold refrigerant in your AC unit. If the drain line is blocked, water becomes trapped near the evaporator coil and freezes. This creates a cycle that compounds the freezing problem.

Dirty Evaporator Coils

If dirt cakes the evaporator coil, the airflow will become restricted and it will freeze. Over time, the coil will get dirty and need cleaning. Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent this buildup.

Immediate Steps When Your AC Freezes

If you discover your AC unit has frozen up, turn off the air conditioner and set your fan to ON. This will not fix the problem, but will buy you some time. To determine the exact cause, we recommend turning your system to fan only until a licensed technician can diagnosis the problem.

For Paramus homeowners experiencing this emergency, professional ac repair paramus nj services are essential for proper diagnosis and repair. Attempting to force the system to run while frozen can cause significant damage to the compressor and other critical components.

Prevention Strategies for Paramus Homeowners

Taking preventative measures such as regularly changing air filters, cleaning vents regularly and making sure there isn’t any blockage around them should help alleviate any issues with frozen AC units in summertime. Here are key prevention steps:

• Regular Filter Changes: Typically, we recommend checking your filter monthly, though you should change it as needed. For most folks, this is every one to three months.
• Annual Professional Maintenance: With proper maintenance, such as cleaning or changing the air filter and scheduling professional HVAC maintenance each spring, you can largely avoid frozen coils in the future.
• Keep Vents Clear: Ensure furniture, curtains, and other objects aren’t blocking air vents or return ducts.
• Monitor System Performance: Watch for signs like reduced cooling, unusual noises, or ice formation around refrigerant lines.

When to Call Professional Help

If changing the air filter or clearing the condensate drain line doesn’t solve the problem (i.e. the heat pump or AC freezes up again) it’s time to call an HVAC technician if you haven’t already. They can troubleshoot the issue and get to the root of the problem.

Super Plumbing Heating & Cooling LLC understands the unique challenges Bergen County homeowners face. Super Plumbing Heating & Cooling LLC is your main source for HVAC service in Bergen County, New Jersey. We handle everything from urgent AC repair during the summer heat to critical furnace repair in the midst of winter. Our technicians are prepared for heating and cooling homes and making them remain comfortable havens no matter the season.

The company’s commitment extends beyond simple repairs. That’s why SuperPHC offers emergency HVAC service throughout Bergen County. If your furnace breaks down on a cold night or your AC stops working during a heatwave, our team restores your home comfort as soon as possible. Whether it’s emergency furnace repair with no heat service or addressing a frozen evaporator coil AC unit repair, our technicians are equipped to handle different urgent situations.

The Cost of Neglect

Ignoring a freezing AC unit can lead to expensive consequences. If you let your central AC system freeze while its refrigerant levels are low, it can lead to numerous problems. Without the proper amount of refrigerant, absorbing and releasing heat becomes much more difficult, hurting the system’s ability to cool your home. This also puts additional strain on critical components, increasing the risk of damage, including compressor failure. The ongoing freeze-thaw cycles can impair the system, leading to costly repairs or even a full replacement.

Conclusion

AC units freezing during summer heat may seem paradoxical, but it’s a common issue with identifiable causes and preventable solutions. It’s important to recognize that this is preventable. Whether you have a York, Carrier, or Lennox unit, take these measures to keep your HVAC system from freezing. Regular maintenance, prompt attention to warning signs, and professional service when needed will keep your Paramus home comfortable throughout the summer months.

Don’t let a frozen AC unit leave you sweltering in the summer heat. With proper care and the right professional support, you can enjoy reliable cooling all season long while avoiding the frustration and expense of emergency repairs.