Do you notice ice on your central air conditioning system? Although this may seem illogical, this is an ordinary issue. Despite it being one of the hottest days of the year, a homeowner may wake up to discover a frozen AC unit. Without the proper training and equipment, you may not know what to do next. To help you restore the flow of cold air in your home, we have summarized various ways to fix a frozen air conditioner. In addition, there are a variety of preventative measures to eliminate this issue in the future.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Frozen?
Clogged Air Filters
When is the last time you cleaned or replaced your AC filters? Dirty air filters may negatively impact the airflow in your central air conditioning system. As a result, moisture in your system won’t be able to settle on the coils properly. This issue will cause the the coils in your central air conditioning system to become frozen and will negatively impact the efficiency of your system.
How to Fix
If your air conditioner is frozen due to contaminated air filters, you will be required to deactivate the system. This issue is likely caused by hindered airflow. Keep your air conditioner off for 1 to 24 hours to give it time to defrost. Once the system is deactivated, we recommend operating the fan for an hour. While the fan runs, change your air filter according to the directions of your unit model.
You can also visit our site to discover the best ways to clean your air filters according to type. Once your AC filters are replaced, your air conditioner system should work properly. Of course, if you complete these directions and discover that your AC is still not working, contact an expert technician right away!
Refrigerant Leaks
Are the coils in your air conditioner frozen? A refrigerant leak may cause the pressure in your system to drop, which triggers the refrigerant to expand and freeze. If you’re dealing with a refrigerant leak, this usually indicates a bigger issue.
How to Fix
The best way to fix a frozen air conditioner unit is to seek professional help. Typically, refrigerant leaks are a signal of a bigger issue such as a mechanical failure. You can attempt to fix this issue by refilling the refrigerant in your system. However, this will only temporarily solve the problem. Allow a trained technician to perform an air conditioning repair in Alexandria, VA and receive the best return from your investment.
Read More: Why Is My Furnace Producing Weak Airflow?
How to Fix a Frozen Air Conditioner Unit
Contaminated Air Filters
There are many reasons your air conditioner may freeze. The two main causes of frozen ac coils include clogged air filters or a refrigerant leak. If your air filters are dirty, deactivate your system for 24 hours to eliminate the buildup of ice. Next, travel to a local hardware store to purchase a new air filter for your central air conditioning system.
Refrigerant Leaks
If your air conditioner is frozen due to a refrigerant leak, this indicates a bigger problem such as mechanical failure and will need to be addressed by a professional HVAC technician. Ultimately, scheduling routine maintenance will extend the life of your air conditioner unit and prevent issues from occurring.
Prevent the Air Conditioner From Freezing in the Future
The best way to prevent a frozen air conditioner is to clean your air conditioner continuously each year. How often you should clean your air conditioner may vary from home to home. Considering your household size, the number of pets owned, type of air filter model, and potential asthma and allergic individuals in your home—you’ll need to replace your air conditioner filters every 60 days to 90 days to prevent frozen air conditioning coils.
To prevent a moisture issue with your air conditioner, it’s important to clean your evaporator coils once a year. Replace air filters frequently (every 60 to 90 days) and even buy air filters in bulk. Clear twigs, dust, and debris from the outdoor unit. These measures will extend the lifespan of your AC unit.
Ultimately, to ensure your frozen air conditioning system is handled properly, contacting your local technician is the safest solution.
Read More: Top Signs of Malfunctioning AC Evaporator Coils & Ways to Fix
Heating & Air Conditioning Services
Is your AC unit frozen and you don’t know what to do? When your air conditioning unit is causing you trouble, call the team at Snell Heating & Air Conditioning. We offer reliable HVAC services such as air conditioning repair, furnace replacement, heating system maintenance, and air conditioner tune-up. Give our team a call by phone at (703) 543-9649 to receive help with a heating or cooling issue. For reliable technicians that’ll keep your home all summer long, contact us for an appointment today!