Solutions To Air Conditioner Line Freeze-Ups

by Kadir K. All In One HVAC Industry Guide

You probably don’t give your air conditioning system much thought until you have to crank up the thermostat. Then all of a sudden, your home is muggy, uncomfortable, and just plain hot. If you live in a humid climate like many Southerners, or if you get a lot of humidity from being near water (like most Southerners), you know that those little condenser units on the outside of your home are going to be prone to some severe heat and humidity issues.

Your air conditioning system might need service. Or perhaps it’s time for an upgrade with new technology. But in the meantime, there are a few simple precautions you can take this summer to reduce the likelihood of AC line freeze-ups and other problems below.

Check the Drain/Drip Pan

In the case of any air conditioning system, check to see if there is a drain pan. If not, you need to make sure that there is one. This is a metal pan that should be placed in the drain line near your furnace or air conditioner. This pan collects any water that drips from the system and prevents it from getting into your home’s foundation or floorboards. When it rains heavily, this pan can also help keep your indoor humidity low.

In addition to checking for a drain pan, make sure to check the drip tray underneath your exterior unit as well. This tray catches water that drips down from your unit onto the ground below, which can potentially cause problems with mold growth or other issues.

Turn Off the A/C When You’re Not Home

A drip pan for the air conditioner is a must. It absorbs overflow water that might otherwise damage the floor. A water-logged floor can be a fire hazard, and it’s also a drain on your energy bills. You need to make sure that you have one handy to catch any drips.

The drip pan should be large enough to catch any excess water or condensation that builds up inside the air conditioner. It should also be easy to remove, so you can clean it out when needed.

If the pan doesn’t have a cover, make sure to keep it covered when not in use. Also, avoid placing anything heavy or metallic in it while you are using the air conditioner.

Install Coils (Or Buy a New Unit)

If you've got a unit that's been sitting in your garage for a long time, it might be time to buy a new one. If you're not sure whether the unit will work, or if it's just not worth repairing, it's best to replace it.

As the housing around your unit deteriorates and cracks, water can get in. This leads to corrosion, which shortens the life of your coil.

It's also important to note that older units are more prone to failure than newer ones. If you're looking for a reliable unit, look for one built within the last few years.

If you're looking for a new coil, there are several factors to consider before making your purchase. While size is an obvious consideration, there are other things to keep in mind when shopping for a new coil:

How much does it cost? Make sure you’re getting a good deal on your unit by comparing prices from different vendors.

Is it modular? Some coils come as single units with all necessary hardware while others include additional components so they can be attached together to create larger units.

Turn Your Thermostat Up & Down Gradually

The most effective way to mitigate the impact of the heatwave is to adjust your thermostat up and down gradually. If you can take a break from the heat, then do so. Change your bedtime, or simply go into your air-conditioned office for an hour before you head home. The key here is to avoid drastic temperature changes so that you don’t end up with a huge spike in your energy bill.

By using these tactics, you can greatly reduce the risk of electric fires or other dangerous outcomes from an unexpected hot spell.

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