Easy Steps for Fixing a Frozen Air Conditioner

Does the air emitting from your supply registers unexpectedly seem hot? Check the indoor portion of your air conditioner. This part is located in your furnace or air handler, if you rely on a heat pump. If there’s water leaking onto the floor, there could be crystals on the evaporator coil. The AC coil in the system could have frozen over. You’ll need to melt it before it can cool your home again.

Here’s what to do. If you can’t get the coil back to normal, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is here to help with air conditioning repair in the U.S. that includes a a 100% satisfaction guarantee.*

Step 1: Set the Air Conditioning to Off and the Blower On

First things first—switch the thermostat from “cool” to “off.” This prevents cold refrigerant from flowing to the outdoor compressor, which could hurt it and cause a costly repair.

After that, move the fan from “auto” to “on.” This creates warm airflow over the frosty coils to force them to thaw faster. Remember to set the cooling mode to “off” so the air conditioner doesn’t trigger a cooling cycle.

It can take under an hour or the majority of the day for the ice to defrost, depending on the level of the buildup. While you’re waiting, keep an eye on the condensate pan under the AC unit. If the drain line is clogged, it might overflow as the ice melts, possibly causing water damage.

Step 2: Pinpoint the Problem

Poor airflow is a primary cause for an AC to frost over. Here’s how to figure out the situation:

    • Inspect the filter. Insufficient airflow through a filthy filter could be the culprit. Check and replace the filter monthly or immediately when you notice dust buildup.
    • Open any sealed supply vents. Your residence’s supply registers should stay open always. Shutting vents reduces airflow over the evaporator coil, which might result in it freezing.
    • Be on the lookout for obstructed return vents. These usually don’t have moveable louvers, but furniture, rugs or curtains can still block them.
    • Low refrigerant: While airflow restrictions are the most typical cause, your air conditioning might also have insufficient refrigerant. Depending on its age, it may use Freon®. Low refrigerant requires pro attention from a certified HVAC tech. H2: Step 3: Contact an HVAC Technician at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

If inadequate airflow doesn’t appear to be the trouble, then another issue is leading your AC frost over. If this is what’s occurring, just letting it melt won’t repair the issue. The evaporator coil will probably keep freezing unless you fix the root issue. Get in touch with an HVAC pro to address troubles with your air conditioner, which might include:

    • Refrigerant leak: AC units recycle refrigerant, so it shouldn’t get used up. Low refrigerant is a sign of a leak somewhere. Only a specialist can pinpoint the leak, fix it, and recharge the system to the appropriate amount.
    • Grimy evaporator coil: If dirt builds up on the coil, air can’t get to it, and it’s liable to freeze.
    • Broken blower: A faulty motor or unbalanced fan can halt airflow over the evaporator coil.

If your AC freezes up, call on the ACE-certified professionals at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to take care of the situation. We have a lot of experience helping homeowners diagnose their air conditioners, and we’re sure we can get things operating again quickly. Contact us at 866-397-3787 to book air conditioning repair in the U.S. with us now.

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