Address Frozen HVAC Coils Immediately To Prevent Unit Damage
Posted on: 20 July 2018
When your air conditioner unit suffers from frozen coils, it is going to struggle to run properly. In some instances, it might fail to run at all. Thankfully, there are several steps that you can take to ensure that your motor doesn't get damaged and that your air conditioner runs smoothly and efficiently.
Frozen Coils Can Damage Your Air Conditioner Motor
When the coils of your HVAC system freeze up, your motor is likely to suffer from damage. That's because the air won't be moving properly and will force the motor to run more heavily than necessary. In some instances, the ice might even get on the motor and cause it to run poorly.
A poorly running HVAC motor will not only weakly cool your home but will also wear out more quickly. When this happens, your unit is going to need repair way sooner than it should in its life cycle. That's why it's critical to understand how low Freon levels freeze up your air conditioner and cause serious issues.
Low Freon Causes Your Coils To Freeze Up
Frozen coils are always a symptom of a more serious problem with your HVAC system. The exact problem will vary depending on the unit. One of the most common of these problems is low Freon. When your air conditioner has low Freon, it cannot move the heat out of your system properly and can cause operational difficulties.
Strangely, a unit that fails to move heat effectively out of its operating area will freeze up instead of getting hot. The exact reasons behind this reaction are too complex scientifically to discuss here. That said, it is critical for you to take steps to address this problem right away. There is a small chance that you might actually be able to do it on your own without professional help.
Fixing The Problem
First of all, you need to decide if your unit is low on Freon. Listen to it running and pay attention to any hissing noises. This usually indicates a Freon leak somewhere in your unit. In some instances, you may be able to fix a Freon leak by adding putty to where it is leaking. In an HVAC unit, this process is more complex because the leak could occur across a larger area.
So, make sure you pay special attention to various sections of your system to spot the leak. When you finish it properly, these steps should stop minor leaks and let you fill your unit back up with Freon to keep its coils from freezing. Unfortunately, there is also a chance that the putty won't be enough to stop the leak and that professional help may be needed. This situation is usually indicated by recurring frozen coils.
If you are concerned about your air conditioner running poorly or notice ice developing on its surface, make sure to contact a professional HVAC repair specialist right away. They can identify the problem, fix it, and give your home the cooling power you need during the excessively hot months of the summer. For more information, contact your local air conditioning services.
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