How to Protect Your AC for a Freeze

Learn how to ‘Protect Your AC for a Freeze’ with our insightful guide. Ensure optimal performance even during the coldest seasons!

As the temperatures drop, even in the slightest, it can affect your air conditioning unit. Especially when the temperatures drop significantly, your AC could potentially freeze up or break down. There are many things you can do to prevent your system from freezing up. Stay warm this fall season and protect your HVAC system! 

Before you can take precautions to prevent your system from freezing, it is important to know what causes a freeze in AC units. 

Most systems have an internal defrost cycle that automatically runs when temperatures drop. Depending on the system it can run every hour, half hour or 90 minutes. Most of the time when AC units completely freeze up or break it is due to the defrost cycle not working properly. This is why tune ups are important when it comes to the temperature changes. 

Even if the defrost cycle is working, if the temperature drops quickly or really low, it can cause an increased amount of ice buildup. This happens when the coils retain ice and eventually freeze the system up. When the coils freeze, they prevent the air from circulating through the system, thus not being able to warm up your home. 

So, how can you prevent your AC from freezing?

Change the Air Filter Regularly

Air filters are one of the ways it keeps your system running properly, and with an old, dirty filter, it could make the system more vulnerable. It is a good rule to change the filter once a month. 

Clean the Fan

With changing the air filter, it is important to clean the fan. It can accumulate lots of dirt, dust and debris making the system susceptible to elements. Cleaning the fan also ensures nothing is blocking the air flow to your home. 

Keep the Vents Open

Some people close the vents to either save money on their electric bill by not allowing the system to run, but this can damage it. When more than two vents are closed, it stops the air flow, which can cause the system to not run properly and potentially freeze up. 

Keep the Coils Clean

The outdoor system is already at a higher risk for freezing, especially if the condenser coils are dirty. You will want to monitor the coils and have an HVAC expert remove any debris from them such as leaves, insects and tree limbs. Not only will doing this help alleviate the risk of it freezing, it will also ensure that it runs properly and can heat your home. 

Call the Professionals 

The best way to make sure your system is protected against the colder temperatures, it is important to call the professionals. They have the knowledge and experience to correctly check the system and correct any issues, to ensure that it can withstand the colder temperatures. 

FAQs – Protect Your AC for a Freeze

Q. How can I fix a frozen HVAC unit?

A. If your HVAC system freezes up, you should call the professionals! They will know exactly what to do in a timely manner. Call the Chill Brothers at (832) 478- 7777 to speak to an expert today!

Q. How do I know if my system is frozen?

A. Most common signs of a frozen system include:

• Visible ice on the system
• The unit is not releasing or pulling any air
• Your home is not warming up 
• Strange noises coming from the system 

Call the experts at The Chill Brothers, we offer many services, specific to our clients and what they want. We are knowledgeable and will work one on one with you to ensure you have a perfect system. Feel free to check out our website or give us a call!