How To Fix A Frozen A/C Unit This Summer
May 17, 2024
In the summer, your air conditioner works around the clock to keep you and your family comfortable. Unfortunately, it can get overworked and experience certain problems, such as freezing. Believe it or not, it's possible to have a frozen air conditioner even when it's scorching outside.
What Causes An Air Conditioner Unit To Freeze Up?
There are two main reasons an A/C unit may freeze. First, the airflow in your home may be restricted, which stops air from moving through the unit. The movement of air usually prevents freezing of the condensation on your A/C coil. If airflow restriction is not responsible for the freezing, the other likely culprit is refrigerant problems such as leaks. Refrigerant leaks can occur when moving A/C parts rub together over time, or where fittings and joints are loose. Improper charging of the refrigerant during installation can also cause your air conditioner to freeze.
A/C Troubleshooting Tips: How To Tell If Your A/C Unit Is Frozen
If you suspect your air conditioner unit may be freezing up, there are a few signs to look out for that will let you know if your system is frozen:
- Minimal and/or warm air coming out of your vents
- Visible frost and/or ice formation on the A/C unit
- Water leaking from your air conditioner unit
- Dirty or moldy coils
- Your thermostat isn’t reaching the desired temperature
- Hissing or bubbling noises
Defrost Your A/C Unit In 5 Simple Steps
- Turn your thermostat from COOL to OFF to prevent the problem from getting worse
- Change your fan setting from AUTO to ON to help defrost the frozen coils
- Leave the fan on for several hours to allow the unit to fully defrost
- Once the unit is fully thawed, turn the A/C unit’s thermostat back to COOL
- Check your air filter and replace it if needed
Following these five steps should solve your frozen air conditioner woes. If your A/C unit still isn’t functioning correctly after completing these steps, you may need to contact an HVAC professional for further assistance.
Should You Repair Or Replace Your Frozen Air Conditioner Unit?
If your A/C unit is relatively new, our defrosting steps should prevent needing to replace or repair your unit. As your unit ages, you may need to consult an HVAC professional to get your unit repaired. Older A/C units are more susceptible to freezing, which can lower the lifespan of your unit. If your A/C is continually freezing, it may be time to replace your unit.
How Can You Prevent Your A/C From Freezing Up?
Freezing can damage important parts of your air conditioner if left too long. Fortunately, you can use the tips below to prevent this problem before it begins.
- Change your air filters regularly - A dirty filter is a primary culprit of restricted airflow, which can freeze your A/C. Manufacturers usually recommend changing your filters every three months. However, it's advisable to change them monthly in the summer months because of heavy usage.
- Schedule an A/C tuneup - Your system should get at least two tune-ups each year to keep it clean and efficient. During the tune-up, an HVAC professional will check your system's refrigerant levels, electrical connections and A/C coils among other things, and make the necessary adjustments.
It's a good idea to schedule a tune-up earlier in the summer before HVAC professionals get busier. You'll also benefit from lower costs by avoiding emergency service charges. Contact Lozier today to schedule your seasonal tune-up to ensure your A/C will run smoothly all summer long.
Unable To Fully Thaw Your Frozen Air Conditioner Unit? Call The Experts At Lozier!
At Lozier, your home comfort is our top priority. If you’re unsure how to defrost your A/C or you think your unit is beyond repair, our HVAC experts are ready to help! Reach out to set up an appointment by calling our team at (515) 267-1000, text us at (515) 393-4262 or fill out a contact form today.