Get Your Frozen Air Conditioner Working Again with These 3 Quick Tips
Does the air coming from your supply registers abruptly feel not cold enough? Check the indoor component of your air conditioner. This piece is located in your furnace or air handler, if you have a heat pump. If there’s water seeping onto the floor, there could be frost on the evaporator coil. The AC coil inside the system could have frosted over. You’ll need to defrost it before it can cool your house again.
Here’s the steps you should take. If you can’t get the coil frost-free, Fras-Air/General Service Experts is here to support you with air conditioning repair in Hillsborough upheld by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.*
Step 1: Set the Air Conditioning to Off and the Blower On
First things first—set the thermostat from “cool” to “off.” This stops cold refrigerant from going to the outdoor compressor, which could hurt it and result in a pricey repair.
Next, adjust the fan from “auto” to “on.” This makes warm airflow over the frosty coils to make them 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 thaw, depending on the extent of the accumulation. While you’re waiting, check the condensate pan below the AC unit. If the drain line is obstructed, it could create a mess as the ice melts, likely creating water damage.
Step 2: Pinpoint the Problem
Poor airflow is a chief explanation for an AC to frost over. Here’s how to troubleshoot the issue:
- Inspect the filter. Low airflow through a clogged filter could be the culprit. Inspect and change the filter monthly or as soon as you observe a layer of dust.
- Open any shut supply vents. Your home’s supply registers should remain open all the time. Sealing vents decreases airflow over the evaporator coil, which can result in it freezing.
- Check for blocked return vents. These usually don’t have adjustable louvers, but furniture, rugs or curtains can still block them.
- Low refrigerant: While airflow restrictions are the most frequent suspect, your air conditioning could also be low on refrigerant. Depending on when it was replaced, it may have Freon®. Low refrigerant requires pro help from a certified HVAC technician. H2: Step 3: Get in Touch with an HVAC Professional at Fras-Air/General Service Experts
If poor airflow doesn’t appear to be the problem, then another issue is causing your AC freeze up. If this is what’s going on, just letting it melt won’t take care of the trouble. The evaporator coil will possibly continually freeze unless you fix the underlying problem. Call an HVAC pro to address problems with your air conditioner, which can include:
- Refrigerant leak: AC units recycle refrigerant, so it shouldn’t run out. Low refrigerant is a sign of a leak somewhere. Only a pro can locate the leak, repair it, and recharge the system to the proper amount.
- Dirty evaporator coil: If dust builds up on the coil, air can’t flow over it, and it’s liable to freeze.
- Broken blower: A defective motor or unbalanced fan might prevent airflow over the evaporator coil.
If your AC freezes up, get in touch with the ACE-certified professionals at Fras-Air/General Service Experts to repair the problem. We have years of experience helping homeowners troubleshoot their air conditioners, and we’re confident we can get things working again fast. Contact us at 908-448-2154 to get air conditioning repair in Hillsborough with us today.
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