If your air conditioner is freezing up, you might be scratching your head, wondering how on earth this happened. How does an AC unit freeze in the heat? While it sounds puzzling, there could be several reasons behind it. So, why not chat with your Grove City Heating & Air experts to explore the most common causes and find out how to fix a frozen air conditioner?
Step 1: Stay Calm
Before we get started, we just want to let you know that everything is okay. We can figure this out together. And remember, your Grove City Heating & Air family is here to support you and help if needed! So, stay calm, and let’s tackle this together.
Step 2: Time to Troubleshoot
Verify Correct Airflow
Issue: If your AC isn’t working right, reduced airflow could make it freeze up. So, remember that clogged air filters or closed vents can block airflow. This can cause cool air to build up and make the refrigerant condense on the coils.
Solution: Regularly check your air filters and replace them if needed while troubleshooting. Also, make sure all the vents in your home are open and free of any obstructions that could block airflow.
Take Note: We suggest swapping out your air filters every 1-3 months, depending on the type you have.
Check the Thermostat Settings
Issue: It’s possible that your thermostat is set too low. If your home’s temperature is really low, your air conditioner might struggle to keep up with the constant demand for such cold temps.
Solution: Crank up your thermostat a bit. You might also want to consider getting a smart thermostat. These gadgets can efficiently monitor and adjust your home’s temperature, taking some strain off your air conditioner. With a smart thermostat, you can preprogram your preferred cool settings for the week, so your home is always ready for you to kick back and relax when you get back.
Think About the Refrigerant Levels
Issue: If your refrigerant levels are off, your AC could freeze up. Basically, when the coolant isn’t at the right level, it can make the evaporator too cold, causing moisture to freeze and ice to build up.
Solution: It’s best to let a pro handle refrigerant issues. A licensed HVAC tech will have the right gear to safely check and manage your AC’s refrigerant levels. So, give us a call if you think there’s a refrigerant problem.
Here are some signs you might have refrigerant problems:
- Bubbly or hissing sounds when the AC is off
- The AC is not blowing cool air
- Ice on the refrigerant lines
Step 3: Defrost Your Unit
Once you spot ice on your unit, you can take steps to get your AC working again. But first, you’ve got to let the ice melt before a technician comes. A unit that is overly frozen will be too hard to diagnose.
To defrost your AC properly:
- First, turn off your air conditioner at the thermostat.
- Next, switch your fan setting from ‘auto’ to ‘on’ to kickstart the defrosting process.
- Keep an eye on the melting ice. If there’s a lot, make sure the melted water won’t cause any damage to the area.
- Be patient—it can take a few hours or even a whole day for the ice to thaw, depending on how much there is.
Step 4: Call a Professional
If you can’t figure out why it’s freezing, if there’s a refrigerant issue, or if this keeps happening afterward, it’s time to call a licensed HVAC professional. Ignoring it could strain your AC unit and cause avoidable damage, so don’t put it off.
We’re here for you 24/7 to keep you and your home cool anytime you need us! Call Grove City Heating & Air today at (614) 490-7540, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
