Spring Into Home Maintenance: Why Do A/C Units Freeze?

When the snow begins to melt and temperatures warm, Durham homeowners begin to think about maintenance tasks that are needed to prepare for summer. Your air-conditioning system will be an important part of your comfort when the hot weather arrives. Here are a few tips to help you understand why your system freezes up when you most need it, and what you can do to keep it in top condition:

When A/C Systems Freeze Up

Maybe it’s never happened to you before. The summer temperatures reach 95 to 100 for a series of days, and suddenly, your air-conditioning system seems to stall. There’s no cool air, and your home’s interior gets warmer and warmer. These are the signs of an A/C system freeze.

Your instinct may be to set the thermostat lower, but this action will not solve your problem. The system needs to be turned off for a time, so it can begin to thaw out. Only then will you be able to get cool air again. Generally, A/C system freezes are caused by two different problems.

Problems With Air Flow

Airflow problems are a common cause of A/C freeze-ups. The problem is often caused by a dirty air filter that hasn’t been changed in some time. Determine the right size filter for your system and replace it. You can find a variety of different filter sizes at your local hardware or home improvement store.

Refrigerant Leaks

A/C system freeze-ups can also be caused by tiny leaks of refrigerant that cause the unit to work inefficiently. These small leaks can be found and repaired, but the fix is often temporary, and you begin thinking about replacing your system. It’s a good time to start looking at the new, more efficient models that will save you money over the summer season.

Maximizing Your A/C Performance

You can avoid summer cooling problems by taking care of A/C maintenance tasks as soon as the winter is over. Call a reputable air-conditioning system contractor to set an appointment for a Durham technician to inspect your system. The technician will clean and tune your system to ensure is functioning properly. The technician can also alert you to worn parts or other problems that may occur in the future.

For quality solutions in your Durham, NC home, call Green Horizon One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® at (919) 646-3639 today!