Make every effort not to use your ac unit when it's frozen, as this could unduly strain the compressor. Note: The compressor is the most expensive component of your AC. Excessive strain could damage this valuable component leading to a costly repair service call or replacement.
It's possible that the problem will go away on its own, but you'd be leaving yourself open to a lot more potential damage if you sit back and hope for the best. It's better to take care of a frozen unit right away in case there is a larger problem hiding under all that ice.
Once the AC unit has thawed completely, and you've done a check on the filters and the air registers. It is now time to fire the system on. Switch ON the thermostat and set it at COOL. If the AC is working correctly, the air registers should blow cold air into the room.
Well, the thawing process could take up to 24 hours depending on the size of your unit, the extent of the ice buildup, and the efficiency of your blower fan. If the freezing on your air conditioner was just starting, it could clear up faster in an hour or two.
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.
The most obvious sign is a lack of air coming out of your vents and the temperature in your home rises. The ice in the coil has restricted the airflow causing the supply air to basically trickle out of the vents.
If the AC unit is blowing hot air, first try turning off your air conditioner but leaving the fan on so it can defrost the AC unit. The AC's indoor fan will blow warm air over your AC's frozen coils, helping the ice thaw faster. Also check for a dirty air filter, which could be causing air flow blockage.
To check if your air conditioning unit has frozen coils, watch out for the following telltale signs: The cooling unit runs continuously but fails to cool your home effectively. Instead of cold air, you notice warm air blowing from the vents.
When the filter becomes dirty, this can block airflow and cause the evaporator coil to get too cold, which can lead to a frozen AC unit. As a general rule of thumb, many HVAC professionals recommend replacing the air filter every 90 days.
Low refrigerant levels come from a system leak more often than not, which is why your HVAC freezing up in summer is more common than in winter. The more you use your AC system, the likelier it is to spring a leak.
First, check your filters and coils for dirt and debris that may be impeding airflow. Once you've cleaned the filters and coils, run the air conditioner with just the fan so that the ice accumulation can melt off. If the AC still doesn't blow cold air, it could be that refrigerant levels are too low.
Air filters in your AC unit trap dust, dirt, and debris from the air. Over time, these filters can become clogged, restricting airflow. Reduced airflow over the evaporator coil can lead to a drop in temperature, causing ice to form.
Freon settles in an air conditioner in a matter of minutes. Though, it depends on the type of air conditioner too. If the air conditioner is portable, it takes about 5-30 minutes for the Freon to settle. This time must be dedicated to the appliance for it to function properly.
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.
Once your AC is unfrozen go ahead and turn the AC back on and run the air normally, but keep a close eye on the unit for the next couple of days. More than likely, the dirty filter was the problem, but to be sure that there isn't another issue watch for any ice returning on the AC lines.
Blocked or restricted airflow can cause the unit to work harder, leading to an overworked system and potential AC freeze up.
To fix a frozen AC unit, turn it off to let the ice melt. Check and replace the air filter if it's clogged, and ensure the vents are clear. Also, clean the coils. If the issue persists, call a professional to inspect for refrigerant leaks or a malfunctioning component.
Whether you've confirmed for certain that you have frozen evaporator coils, or you just suspect it, you need to turn off your A/C. Then, your coils should be able to defrost, taking up to 24 hours to thaw out. You can also safely dry out the coils with a hair dryer.
Yes, you should turn off your AC if it's not cooling. Continuing to run a malfunctioning AC can strain the compressor and other components, leading to more severe and costly repairs. If there's a refrigerant leak or airflow issue, running the AC can cause the evaporator coils to freeze, compounding the problem.
To defrost your HVAC unit, you want to begin by turning off your thermostat and turning your fan on. Let the fan run over the next few hours to allow your unit to defrost.
Just don't turn the system back on until the coil has defrosted and you've changed the filter. Running the system with a frozen evaporator coil can cause irreparable damage to the condenser unit.