How to Fix a Frozen Air Conditioner

How to Fix a Frozen Air Conditioner in 3 Easy Steps

Does the air that your supply is releasing feel surprisingly warm to the touch? Examine your air conditioner's inside the unit. If you use a heat pump, this part is within the air handler or furnace. Ice may be present on the evaporator coil if water is dripping onto the floor. It's possible that the equipment's AC coil became frozen. Before it can chill your home once more, you must melt it.

Here is what to do. If you are unable to restore the coil to its original state, HVAC Repair Guide Experts are here to help. We offer Virginia air conditioning repair services backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Step 1: Turn on the blower and turn the air conditioner off

Switch the thermostat from "cool" to "off" to start. By doing this, cold refrigerant won't flow to the compressor outside, which could damage it and lead to a costly repair.

Next, change the fan's setting from "auto" to "on." In order to hasten the melting of the frozen coils, hot air is forced over them. To prevent the air conditioner from starting a cooling cycle, double-check to make sure the cooling mode is set to "off."

Depending on the thickness of the ice, melting can take less than an hour or most of the day. Watch the condensate pan underneath the AC unit as you wait. If the drain line is blocked, it can spill over as the ice melts and cause water damage if it does.

Step 2: Address the Problem

An AC's tendency to freeze up is primarily caused by insufficient ventilation. Here's how to assess the circumstances:

Examine the filter

The issue can be poor airflow through a clogged filter. Every month, or as soon as you see a coating of dust, check and replace the filter.

Unlock any closed supply vents

The supply registers in your home should never close. Airflow over the evaporator coil is reduced when vents are sealed, which could cause it to freeze.

Try to find any obstructed return vents

These normally lack movable louvers, although they can still be blocked by objects like curtains, rugs, or furniture.

Reduced refrigerant

Although ventilation limitations are frequently to blame, your air conditioner may also not have enough refrigerant. It might have Freon® depending on its age. Low refrigerant demands expert assistance from a licensed HVAC technician.

Step 3: Get in touch with an HVAC Professional at HVAC Repair Guide

If there isn't enough ventilation, then your AC may be frozen over by something else. If that's what's going on, defrosting it won't solve the issue. If you don't address the primary problem, the evaporator coil can freeze repeatedly. If you have any of the following issues with your air conditioner, contact an HVAC expert:

Leak of refrigerant

As long as AC units are running, refrigerant shouldn't run out. A leak someplace is indicated by low refrigerant. Only a technician can find the leak, fix it, and give the system the right amount of recharge.

Evaporator coil that is dirty

When dust builds up on the coil, it blocks airflow, which makes it more likely to freeze.

Blown-out blower

If the motor is broken or the fan is out of balance, air may not be able to move across the evaporator coil.