Encountering a frozen air conditioner can be quite frustrating, especially during the hottest months of the year! It does leave the question as to how exactly an AC unit freezes up when it’s so hot outside. It’s a bit befuddling, we know. But at LRF Maintenance, Heating & Cooling, our experts are here to unravel the common causes and provide you with practical solutions for troubleshooting a frozen air conditioning unit. Let’s dive in and keep cool!
Step 1: Have You Stopped and Breathed?
Sounds silly, but taking a moment to stop and breathe can make all the difference when it comes to troubleshooting a frustrating issue. In the midst of confusion, staying calm is key. Don’t worry, you’ve got this! Plus, your trusted LRF Maintenance, Heating & Cooling family is here to lend a hand and bring you some much-needed peace of mind. Let’s tackle this issue together and find a solution!
Step 2: Have You Tried Troubleshooting the Problem?
- The Problem of Insufficient Airflow: If your AC unit isn’t blowing enough air, it could end up freezing! Clogged air filters or blocked vents trap cool air, causing the refrigerant to freeze on the coils. This not only reduces airflow but also hampers your comfort.
Troubleshoot This Problem By: Homeowners should regularly inspect and replace their air filters every 1-3 months to keep things running smoothly. So, you should check your air filters during this troubleshooting process just to make sure the problem can’t be resolved with a simple filter change! Additionally, ensure all your HVAC vents are open and free from any blockages that could restrict airflow. A little effort goes a long way in keeping your system efficient and your home comfortable!
- The Problem of Incorrect Thermostat Settings: If your thermostat is set too low, your air conditioner might struggle to keep up. When this happens, it can lead to potential freeze-ups. If your AC is set at extremely low temps, it will struggle to keep up with combatting the summer heat continuously—it’s a recipe for an HVAC disaster!
Troubleshoot This Problem By: A simple tweak of the thermostat to a higher setting can fix this issue. But if you find this to be a constant issue for you, installing a smart thermostat can efficiently manage and fine-tune your home’s temperature, easing the load on your air conditioner. With a smart thermostat, your home will always welcome you with your perfect preferred temperature, and when you are away it can be set at a higher more energy-efficient setting.
- The Problem of Low or Leaking Refrigerant: Did you know unbalanced refrigerant levels can cause your AC to freeze up? If your coolant isn’t just right, it can make the evaporator’s temperature plummet, turning moisture into ice and causing buildup.
Troubleshoot This Problem By: Leave refrigerant issues to the experts! Licensed HVAC technicians have the right tools to safely check and manage your AC’s refrigerant levels. Suspect a refrigerant problem? Reach out to us without hesitation. We’re here to help!
However, you should know the signs of low refrigerant or leaking refrigerant issues:
- Strange bubbling or hissing noises when the AC is off
- Weak cool air flow from the AC
- Noticeable ice buildup on the refrigerant lines
Step 3: Have You Contacted an HVAC Professional Yet?
If your freezing problem remains unresolved or if there’s a refrigerant issue, it’s time to call in a licensed HVAC professional. Ignoring this can put unnecessary stress on your air conditioner and lead to preventable damage. Don’t let a small issue turn into a big problem—reach out to us today!
Step 4: Have You Thawed the Unit Already?
Spotting ice on your AC unit? It’s time to take action to restore its functionality! But before you can get it back up and running, thawing the unit is a must. This holds true even while waiting for a professional to arrive. (A frozen unit is tough to diagnose and manage.)
For a smooth and safe defrosting process:
- Start by switching off your air conditioner at the thermostat.
- Change the fan setting from ‘auto’ to ‘on’ to kickstart the thawing process.
- Keep an eye on the melting ice to avoid any water damage in the area.
- Be patient; thawing can take from a few hours to a full day, depending on ice buildup.
Call LRF Maintenance, Heating & Cooling for all your cooling needs today at (614) 837-4822 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!