There’s nothing quite like the sweet relief that comes from having a functional air conditioning system during a sweltering summer day. However, there may be times when your AC unit starts to cool down a little too much, causing it to freeze up. While the sight of an AC freezing up may seem like a cause for concern, it’s not necessarily a major issue. Doc Dancer Heating & Air examines some of the common reasons that your AC may be freezing up and what you can do to thaw it out.
How to Thaw a Frozen Air Conditioner
If you notice that your air conditioner has physical ice on it and is not proving any cool air to your home, don’t panic – there are steps you can take to thaw it and get it working again.
The first step is to turn off your air conditioner. Turn off the cooling system at the thermostat.
Let the coils naturally defrost for up to 24 hours. For a bit of extra help, you can try using a hair dryer on the low setting from a safe distance. You can also turn on the system’s fan at the thermostat to help move warm air over the coils.
Before you turn your air conditioner back on, check to make sure the coils have totally defrosted.
If your air conditioner freezes up again, it probably means that there’s something else in play that’s causing your coils to freeze up. Further action needs to be taken to address the reason causing your air conditioner to freeze.
Common Causes of A Frozen AC Unit
Clogged Air Filter
When your air filter becomes clogged with debris, dust, and other contaminants, your air conditioning unit may start to function improperly. One of the most common side effects of a dirty air filter is an air conditioner freezing up, as it restricts proper airflow.
The best way to avoid this is by regularly changing your air filters. It’s a good idea to check your filter monthly throughout the summer season and change it as needed. When air conditioners are in heavy use while it’s hot outside, the filter may need to be changed more frequently as they can become clogged sooner than you expect.
Low Refrigerant Levels
Your AC refrigerant is responsible for facilitating the cool air that keeps your home comfortable during the summer. However, if your AC refrigerant is too low due to a leak in the refrigerant lines, the evaporator coils may become too cold and hence will cause your air conditioner to freeze up. Unfortunately, you will need a professional to fix a refrigerant leak and recharge the system to remedy this situation. If your AC unit is blowing warm air instead of cold air, this is another common indicator that your system may have refrigerant leaks.
Dirty Evaporator Coils
Dirt, debris, and other particles can accumulate on the evaporator coils located within your AC unit. These particles can insulate your evaporator coil, disrupting the process of heat transfer, and leading to your AC unit freezing. Regular maintenance and cleaning are necessary to prevent this.
Thermostat Malfunction
If your thermostat isn’t working correctly, it could be calling on your HVAC system to cool your home beyond the necessary levels, leading to a frozen unit. Check that your thermostat is working correctly and that it’s not set too low.
Faulty Fans
To keep proper AC airflow, the unit requires the aid of its blower fan to pass air over the evaporator coils. A frozen air conditioner can result from a faulty fan leading to no airflow over the evaporator coils. Schedule professional air conditioner repair to diagnose and fix this problem.
Frozen AC Unit? Call Doc Dancer in Fort Wayne For Help
An AC freezing up in your home may be a problem, but it’s one that can be dealt with quickly with the right help. Regular air conditioner maintenance and cleaning can go a long way to prevent these problems, but if you do run into an issue, it’s best to seek professional help to remedy it. Fort Wayne, Indiana, residents can depend on Doc Dancer for all their air conditioning needs. Call us today for help with your air conditioner repair.