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If you have an air conditioner freezing up during the hottest summer months, you might be left bewildered and confused, trying to figure out how in the world you got in this situation. Maybe you’re wondering how your AC unit froze over when it’s so hot outside. While that is a valid question, your air conditioning system may freeze for many reasons. Join us as we navigate through common ways to troubleshoot a frozen air conditioner. Plus, we will show you what to do regarding safe troubleshooting.
Step 1: Don’t Panic
Know that your Five Star Home Services family has got you covered! Breathe, and let’s figure this out together.
Step 2: Time to Troubleshoot
The Airflow Is Insufficient
The Problem: Your AC can freeze if airflow is blocked off, preventing it from performing properly. Clogged air filters or too many closed vents will impede sufficient airflow, and as a result, the buildup of cool air can potentially lead to the AC’s refrigerant condensing on top of the coils.
The Solution: Check your air filters to verify if they need to be changed for a fresh one. Then, walk through your entire home to make sure all your vents are open and not closed. Furniture or objects placed over or in front of the direct line of your vents can also restrict airflow, so make sure to remove any obstacles in front of or on top of the HVAC vents.
The Thermostat Settings Are Too Low
The Problem: Your thermostat could be set too low. If you like to keep the temperature in your home particularly cool, your air conditioner may struggle to keep up with your low-temperature setting.
The Solution: To remedy this, adjust your thermostat to a higher temperature setting and adjust it as needed. In addition, if you do not already have a smart thermostat, now would be a great time to consider investing in one. With a smart thermostat, you can more efficiently monitor your home’s temperature and set your preferences to coincide with your weekly schedule. By doing so, your home will feel comfortable upon arriving home. This sets your air conditioner up for success without causing unnecessary strain when you continuously run it at low temperatures for extended periods when no one is at home.
The Refrigerant Levels Are Incorrect
The Problem: Overly high or low levels of air conditioner refrigerant could also cause your frozen AC issue. Incorrect refrigerant levels can lead to the evaporator’s temperature dropping too low, causing any moisture to freeze and ice to build up on the unit.
The Solution: As much as you’d like to troubleshoot this problem yourself, it’s best left to the professionals regarding AC refrigerant. A licensed HVAC technician will have the proper equipment to check the AC’s refrigerant levels safely. So, if you suspect that the source of your current HVAC woes is the refrigerant, please give us a call. We’ll get you back up and situated in no time!
Here are some signs to look out for regarding your AC’s refrigerant:
- Bubbling or hissing sounds when the AC isn’t running
- The AC is not blowing out cool air
- There is ice on the refrigerant lines
Step 3: Defrost Your Unit
By now, you likely have pinpointed the ice on your AC unit, and whether or not you have discovered the exact culprit behind your ice issues, you will still want to take the proper steps so you can once again enjoy the comfort your AC provides.
So, let’s start by letting that ice go.
Okay, okay. To be more specific, you must give the ice enough time to thaw before a technician can look at your AC to diagnose the issue. Even though we strongly believe our NATE-certified technicians are quite magical and have worked countless wonders with their knowledge and expertise, unlike Queen Elsa, our technicians will not exactly be able to work with an ice-covered unit.
All jokes aside, when it comes to defrosting your AC is a relatively simple process, but it will take time. So, go ahead and schedule your appointment, but make sure you do the following so that it has sufficient time to thaw.
- Turn your air conditioner off on the thermostat.
- Next, turn your fan setting from ‘auto’ to ‘on’ to initiate the defrosting process. This is a gentle and efficient way to start the defrosting process, as this method will allow the fan to circulate air and gradually melt any ice buildup.
- Keep track of the water that is melting. If you have a large amount of ice buildup, you do not want the melting and running water to damage your home or the surrounding area.
- Be patient. Depending on the amount of ice on your unit, it could take a couple of hours to a whole day for the ice to thaw out.
Step 4: Call a Professional
If you have not been able to figure out why your AC is freezing, there is a refrigerant issue, or maybe it keeps freezing back up after you get it running once again, please take this as a sign to call a licensed HVAC professional. Letting this issue go on for a prolonged amount of time will only result in further unnecessary strain placed on your air conditioning unit. It could also result in possible damage to your AC that could be avoided if the proper proactive steps are taken beforehand. Learn more about our air conditioner repair services.
As always, we are here for you 24/7 with our emergency services. You can stay cool when you entrust Five Star Home Services with all your HVAC needs! Call us today at (833) 405-8009.
