Categories: Homeowner's Corner

Why is My Air Conditioner Frozen and What Should I Do to Fix It?

 

When you live in a warmer climate, you depend on your HVAC unit to keep you cool. However, AC units malfunction sometimes, and it’s common for them to freeze.

If you had to ask, why is my air conditioner frozen? The solution might be easier than you might think.

In this article, we’ll help you identify why your air conditioner freezes.

Read on to get started.

What Causes Your Air Conditioner to Freeze?

There are several factors that can cause your air conditioner to freeze. It’s important to rule out all of these reasons in order to get to the root of the problem.

Dirty Evaporator Coils

If the evaporator coils in your AC unit get clogged with dirt and debris, it could restrict the airflow. When this happens, the system often freezes.

Refrigerant Leak

Refrigerant is an important element to keep your AC unit running as it’s supposed to. If the refrigerant doesn’t flow from point A to point B, it can cause a number of issues with the unit, including freezing.

When the refrigerant leaks, it almost always causes the unit to freeze.

Dirty Air Filter

A clean air filter is necessary for the AC unit to work as it should. However, when excess debris builds in the filter, it stops the airflow.

The restricted airflow will cause the unit to freeze.

What to Do When the AC Freezes?

Once you know that your air conditioner is frozen, there are a few steps you can take to remedy the issue.

Let the AC Thaw

When your AC unit is frozen, the first thing you need to do is let it thaw.

First, you need to turn off the thermostat and turn the fan on. By taking this step, the A-coil will start to defrost. The defrosting process could take a few hours, depending on the unit.

Since thawing the unit will result in some excess water, it’s important you locate the dripping pan. Failure to do so could result in water damage and the last thing you need it to deal with another issue.

Check the Air Filter

As we mentioned before, a dirty air filter often causes the AC unit to freeze. If you noticed your unit is frozen, the first thing you need to do is check the air filter.

The solution is quite simple – open the air cover and check the filter. If you notice the filter is dirty, all you have to do is replace it.

Replacing the filter is one of the most inexpensive repairs to the unit.

Start the Unit Again

Once you let the unit thaw and you replace the filter, you can start the unit on again. If the air comes out cool, then you fixed the problem.

However, if the air is room temperature, you might want to call a professional.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Frozen? This Is How You Fix it

Why is my air conditioner frozen? Now that you know the many reasons why your AC unit might be frozen, it’s time you try to fix your unit.

If the AC unit is frozen, try checking the filter, turn off the unit or call a professional.

Are you in the Fort Myers or Naples area, and you need an HVAC professional? If so, give us a call today.

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