Encountering a frozen air conditioner can be quite bewildering. The idea of an AC unit freezing up during warm weather is puzzling indeed. However, multiple reasons could explain why your air conditioning system might freeze. Our experts at Lancaster Furnace & Air Conditioning are eager to guide you through the typical causes and offer solutions to troubleshooting a frozen air conditioning unit.
Step 1: Maintain Composure
It’s crucial to keep calm amidst the confusion. We assure you that everything is manageable. Your trusted Lancaster Furnace & Air Conditioning family is available to assist and provide much-needed relief! Let’s navigate and solve this issue together.
Step 2: Initiate Troubleshooting
Addressing Insufficient Airflow: Lowered airflow might cause freezing in your AC unit if it inhibits proper operation. The accumulation of cool air due to clogged air filters or obstructed vents could lead to the refrigerant freezing on the coil surfaces, resulting in reduced airflow.
Resolution: Regularly inspect and replace your air filters every 1-3 months. Just to be sure, make it a point to check your air filters as well during this troubleshooting process. Furthermore, you should also ensure all your HVAC vents are open and don’t have any blockages in front of them that can restrict airflow.
Tip: Depending on the filter type, it’s advised to change your air filters every 1-3 months.
Managing Incorrect Thermostat Settings: It’s feasible that your thermostat settings may be excessively low. This means if your home’s indoor temperature is overwhelmingly low, it could strain your air conditioner from maintaining a steady cycle of extreme low temperatures, thus causing it to freeze up.
Resolution: A simple adjustment of the thermostat to a higher setting can rectify this. Additionally, installing a smart thermostat can efficiently regulate and fine-tune your home’s temperature, thereby reducing strain on your air conditioner. With a smart thermostat, you can set your temperature preferences for an always welcoming, comfortable home that is preset to your temperature preferences specifically for those time you are at home.
Balancing Refrigerant Levels: Unbalanced refrigerant levels can lead to a freezing issue. This implies that if your AC’s coolant is not correctly balanced, it could cause the evaporator’s temperature to plummet, leading to moisture freezing and ice accumulation.
Resolution: It’s best to delegate refrigerant issues to professionals. Licensed HVAC technicians use proper equipment to safely monitor and manage your AC’s refrigerant levels. If a refrigerant issue is suspected, don’t hesitate to contact us.
However, you should know the signs of low refrigerant or leaking refrigerant issues:
- Unusual bubbling or hissing sounds when the AC is off
- Inadequate cool air discharge from the AC
- Visible ice on the refrigerant lines
Step 3: Seeking Professional Consultation
In case the freezing problem still remains unidentified or resolved, if there’s a refrigerant issue, or if this problem persists, it’s time to seek out a licensed HVAC professional. Ignoring this issue could place undue stress on your air conditioner and result in preventable damage, which is a situation best avoided. So, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Step 4: Initiate Defrosting
Identifying ice on your unit calls for immediate measures to reinstate your AC’s functioning. But before you can get it back up and running, the unit will need to be thawed. This also rings true if you are waiting for a professional to come diagnose the issue. (A frozen-over unit will be difficult to diagnose and manage.)
For a safe defrosting process:
- Switch off your air conditioner at the thermostat.
- Change your fan setting from ‘auto’ to ‘on’ to commence thawing.
- Monitor the melting ice’s water to prevent water damage in the immediate area.
- Patience is required as thawing can range anywhere from a few hours to a full day, contingent on the ice accumulation.
At Lancaster Furnace & Air Conditioning, we provide 24/7 emergency services to ensure comfortable cooling throughout your home. Dial (740) 625-2320, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
