A couple of months ago, the HVAC unit in my home started malfunctioning. The temperature inside my home soared to over eighty degrees Fahrenheit, even though my air conditioning system ran nonstop. After inspecting my air conditioning unit, my knowledgeable HVAC contractor recommended I purchase a new system. He discussed the pros and cons of installing different sizes of HVAC units with me. After considering my HVAC contractor’s advice, I decided to purchase a three and a half ton HVAC unit. Shortly after my HVAC contractor installed my new air conditioning unit, my house started feeling more comfortable. On this blog, I hope you will discover how an HVAC contractor can help you select the right air conditioning unit for your home. Enjoy!
The summer months mean that you will be using your AC more and a common problem that you can have is freezing. When the AC freezes, it is due to the condensation forming on dirty coils. The copper lines form condensation that freezes during the cooling process. Here are a few tips to help you avoid summer AC freezes that can damage components and cause costly repairs:
1. Install and Enclosure to Protect Unit from Outdoor Debris
The outdoor debris from things like trees and pollen from plants is a major contributor to AC units freezing. To protect your AC from debris, enclosures can be built to keep windblown debris and leaves from trees away from the AC unit. It is important to remember that a space needs to be left around the enclosure to ensure it works properly. Fencing materials work well for an enclosure for AC units, and they will also help add to the aesthetics of landscaping by hiding the unit.
2. Seasonal Cleaning to Prevent Condensation from Dust Particles Building Up
Regular cleaning of your AC unit can also help to prevent summer freezing problems. First, it is essential that you clean your AC unit seasonally, which is best to do when you do not use the cooling in fall and before you start the AC during the late spring months. When you are using your AC unit the most, it can also need to be cleaned to prevent freezing around the middle of summer.
3. Inspecting for Dirt and Debris During Heavy Use of AC System
To ensure your AC is working as it should be, do a regular inspection of the entire system. Inspect the outdoor unit to see if it has debris in it or other problems that require cleaning. Turn the system off and remove debris from the unit and use a leaf-blower or compressed air to blow foreign materials like leaves from trees out of the unit. Also, insects and animals are more active during the warmer months, so be on the lookout for damage from pests on the unit, as well as ducts in areas like crawl spaces and attics.
These are some tips that will help you avoid the summer freezing problems that are common with central HVAC systems. If your AC has stopped cooling and you notice ice on the unit, contact a crawl space encapsulation service to help control these problems.
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