A few months ago, my air conditioner completely died. I woke up in the middle of the night covered in sweat, and I didn't know what to do. The next day, I called an HVAC expert, and they came out to inspect my system. It turned out that it had failed because of filthy filters and a clogged return duct, which made me sick to my stomach. I had caused the problem, and I needed to learn how to fix things. My HVAC professional taught me a few easy maintenance techniques that I didn't know before, so that I could maintain my new system. Check out this blog to learn more about HVAC yourself.
Your home might be unbearable if the air conditioning unit stops working on a blistering hot day because of frozen air conditioner coils. Use the following suggestions to prevent this from happening.
Keep the Coils Clean
You might not even pay attention to the coils on your air conditioner until there is a problem. That could be one of the reasons that the problem develops in the first place. Dirt and dust can build up on the coils, forcing them to function less efficiently and making it more likely that they will freeze. Be sure to clean the coils on a regular basis.
To do this, simply unplug your unit. Then, use a hard-bristle brush or toothbrush to scrub dirt off the coils.
Remember to Check the Filter
The filter in your air conditioning unit is supposed to keep dust and other debris from entering your home. A dirty filter that is never changed leads to more wear and tear for your whole system. A clogged filter can also make it impossible for air to circulate properly, which can cause the air conditioning coils to freeze.
Make sure you look at the air filter on a regular basis. If it needs cleaning, use an old toothbrush to clean all the caked up dust. When you notice rips or holes, get a new filter from any home improvement store.
It is also vital that you ensure your air ducts are clear. If not, low air flow may lead to frozen coils as well.
Look at Refrigerant Levels
The refrigerant in your unit cools down the air before it goes into your house. However, when levels of refrigerant drop too much, the air conditioner pressure drops. too, and that can lead to frozen coils.
Typically, refrigerant levels only drop when there is a leak, so you may need to contact an air conditioning contractor to find the leak and fix it for you.
Monitor the Fan
If your unit is outside your home and the coils freeze periodically, it may be due to problems with the fan. Twigs, leaves, and other things can get stuck in the fan blades and make it unable for the fan to function properly. On a regular basis, make sure that the fan is able to spin by keeping grass, leaves and other outdoor items away from it.
Use the information laid out above to help you avoid problems with your air conditioning unit as a result of frozen coils. If you suspect a problem with your unit, consult a local air conditioning contractor, like one from http://www.coeheatcool.com, who can assess your unit and complete any repairs you need.
Share24 September 2015
