Dirty air filters that are clogged with debris can make it hard for air to flow properly. Try to change out your air conditioner's filter at least once a month to prevent condensation from forming and freezing on your evaporator coils.
To stop air line freeze-ups, introduce a few drops of a Tanner De-icant into your airline using a Tanner Dispenser. Once the Tanner De-icant is introduced into the air line, the fluid bonds to the moisture in the air stream, prevents it from freezing and allows it to exhaust through the pneumatic components.
Things that will cause the suction line to freeze up:Low air flow, running the unit at a lower than recommended outside ambient, temperature too low in house, wrong refrigerant charge, worn out or bad restrictive device, miss matched indoor and outdoor unit.
The Copper Pipe (Suction Line) should be sweating and cold to the touch during a hot day. If it is not cold, your compressor could be off (bad capacitor/ hard start kit) or low on Refrigerant. Your Breaker is Tripped. Be Careful because this usually indicates a problem with the compressor or wiring.
As always, turn the air conditioner off as soon as you notice freezing. Keep the fan on, though, so it will blow warm air over the frozen components. This will help thaw your system within a few hours in most cases. From there, the first step is to check your air filter and return vents.
When refrigerant levels in your AC system decrease, the pressure inside your evaporator coil also decreases. The temperature in the coil drops in tandem because there isn't enough chemical fluid to counterbalance the warm air intake. Over time, the chillier temperatures cause ice to form on the coil and lines.
You could pull the a/c clutch relay or fuse, or unplug the wire connector from the compressor, do disconnect the compressor clutch electrically. If it still stays on, then it has mechanically failed, sort of friction welded itself to the other half of the pulley.
Use Antifreeze
Adding antifreeze solutions to the air brake system lowers the freezing point of moisture and helps prevent the formation of ice within the air lines.
The best place to put air line antifreeze is in the discharge line between the compressor and the dryer. You can use this on air dryer systems, just use it sparingly. If you put too much in you run the risk of drying out your seals on the brake valves in the air system and causing leaks.
Air conditioners freeze when there's a glitch that disrupts the functioning of the evaporator coil, causing the refrigerant to cool too much, fall below freezing, and ice over. For this reason, frozen ac coils definitely indicate a problem with your AC's health.
It can take up to 24 hours for your unit to thaw out, potentially less if it is hot outside. Your AC may also slightly leak as the ice melts, so place some towels under it if you notice pooling water. If your AC does not thaw out after 24 hours, call a professional to identify the issue.
There are many reasons for ice appearing on an AC's evaporator coil. However, the main reason for coil freezing is the evaporator cannot absorb heat and raise the temperature of the cold refrigerant moving through it. The ice on the coil is due to a snowball effect of problems.
Another trick which can be used on single-phase compressors is to reverse the start and run leads of the compressor and momentarily energize the compressor. This may also help to free the piston. Only do this for a few seconds and then switch both the run and start leads back to their original position.
Car A/C compressors require frequent maintenance. Without professional maintenance, your car's conditioning compressor can seize or lock up. Some of the causes for car air conditioning compressor locking up include incorrect or low quality refrigerant being used, low coolant levels, and improper lubrication.
To bypass or remove the factory AC system, the bypass pulley is installed in place of the factory compressor. You may not even need to change your serpentine belt, but Pep Boys recommends replacing it if you don't know the last time it was changed.
1st Step: Turn Your HVAC Unit Off.
Even if it's sweltering outside, you still need to turn OFF your air conditioner! Running a frozen air conditioner will wear out parts much faster, and could overheat your unit. Worn parts are bad news for the most expensive piece of your HVAC unit—the compressor.
To prevent airflow restriction and an excessively cold coil, start by changing any filthy air filters. Ensure the blower fan works correctly and no impediments block the vents. The evaporator coil can absorb enough warm air with proper airflow to keep condensation from freezing on the pipe.
Then, change the fan setting from 'auto' to 'on. ' The fan will slowly defrost the system. Once your air conditioner is ice-free, you can turn it back on and reset the fan to auto (This may take an hour or more).
Thaw out frozen air lines and valves by placing the vehicle in a warmed building. This is the only method for thawing that will not cause damage to the air system or its components. Use dummy hose couplings on the tractor and trailer. Check for drooping air lines, which could form water traps.
How Often Do I Need to Change Out My Air Filter? Generally, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every 90 days, or 3 months. That can change based on where your home is located (ex. dusty, dry climates), if you have any pets, and the age of your system and equipment.
The short answer is YES. You can safely pour water on your unit, though warm water is preferable to very hot water. This will speed up the thawing process and get your air conditioner running more quickly.