A problem a lot of people tell me is “my air conditioning unit keeps freezing up”. They often then ask me “what can i do to prevent my air conditioner from freezing up”. Below is some details on why an air conditioner may do this and some ways to help rectify the problem.
Dirty Filter
If the filter is dirty, the system has to try a lot harder to work. The dirty filter makes it harder for the air to get through the system which commonly causes the air conditioner to ice up. Your first port of call with any air conditioning problem should be to check if the filter is clean. You should regularly clean the filter every few months or so to keep your system running as best as possible.
Refrigerant Charge
If the refrigerant charge is too low, your air conditioner may ice up. Maybe the installer did not put enough charge in or maybe you have a leak? Either way, you need to speak with a repair man to test the refrigerant levels to determine if more gas in needed. If there is a leak, it needs to be sealed otherwise you will have the same problem again in a few weeks time.
Not Enough Air Flow
If the ducted system was poorly designed, there may be an airflow issue. If the ducts are designed too small, the air may be struggling to blow across the fancoil which may also cause the unit to ice up. Inspect the roof space to see if you think the ducting maybe to small. If the air is howling out of the grilles or making a whistling sound, it is a good sign that the ducts are too small.
Outdoor Temperature
If the outdoor temperature is at extremes, the air conditioner may struggle. If the unit has been poorly sized, it may struggle on days of extreme temperatures.
Controller Temperature
Try not to set the controller to the maximum setting all of the time. This will force the unit to work overtime and may cause the coil to freeze up.
Running Too Many Zones
If your system has been designed to run only half your home at once (as many systems have been) don’t run all of the zones at once. Running too many zones at any one time places enormous strain on the system which can also lead to icing up.
Tags: Air Conditioner, Air Conditioner Faults, Air Conditioner Freezing Up, aircon, Gas Leak, hvac, Icing Up