While heating and air conditioning units are very effective and work great most of the time, you might occasionally deal with issues. A common problem is having an air conditioner that keeps freezing over. Here are some things to do when your HVAC unit is frozen.

Check the Refrigerant

One of the more common reasons for an air conditioner to freeze up is low refrigerant. Your air conditioner relies on refrigerant to balance the temperature by moving heat from your home outside, so the inside can cool off when the system is turned on. Refrigerant may start leaking due to cracks, holes, or any other type of damage. Much of this is due simply to normal wear and tear over time. When this happens, the HVAC unit can't operate normally, which could ultimately cause it to freeze due to an inability to monitor the temperature. The first thing you should check is that the refrigerant level is where it should be. You may need to add more refrigerant or find the leak if it becomes a persistent issue.

Inspect the Air Flow

Another potential cause for an air conditioner that is freezing up is when there isn't a good amount of airflow. Without enough airflow going through the air conditioner, it starts to suffocate, which prevents it from working properly. The lack of air can cause a higher amount of humidity in the air. This then collects on the air conditioner's coils, which causes ice to form and leads to the unit freezing. The lack of airflow is often from the filter being dirty, so replacing it or cleaning it is a good place to start. You should also check that there is not buildup on the evaporator coils and that the ductwork in your home is clean.

Restart the Air Conditioner

After you have followed these instructions, try plugging in the HVAC unit and turning it on. You may need to re-program the thermostat to reach the desired temperature. Run the air conditioner for several minutes to test it and see if it is running smoothly. If you still believe it is frozen, you need to contact an HVAC professional, such as Nebraska Heating & Air. They will inspect the entire system and make necessary repairs or let you know if it is in such disrepair that replacing the air conditioner would be a better option for you. They can also provide suggestions for preventing this problem in the future.