An issue with a frozen air conditioner can be quite the head-scratcher. An AC unit icing over in warm weather? Talk about a plot twist! But fear not; it happens often and is not uncommon. There are several reasons your cooling system might be freezing up, and our HVAC wizards at Milford Heating & Cooling are excited to unravel the mystery and share tips for thawing out your AC.
Step 1: Keep Your Cool
In the midst of chaos, staying calm is key. Don’t worry, everything’s under control. You easily follow our practical troubleshooting steps. Plus, your trusty Milford Heating & Cooling team is here to save the day if needed! Let’s tackle this together!
Step 2: Troubleshoot
- Consider the Airflow: Reduced airflow might cause your AC unit to freeze if there is insufficient airflow – meaning it could be blocked off or obstructed. When cool air builds up due to things like clogged filters or blocked vents, the refrigerant can freeze on the coil surfaces, cutting down airflow.
Solution: Typically, you should already be checking and replacing your air filters every 1-3 months. But during this troubleshooting process, it never hurts to check. The culprit to your current HVAC woes could simply be a clogged air filter that needs to be changed. Also, it’s a good idea to ensure all your HVAC vents are open and free from any obstructions that could block airflow as well.
- Consider the Thermostat Settings: Your thermostat setting might be set too low. If your home’s indoor temperature is too low, it can strain your air conditioner trying to keep up with extra low temps nonstop. Believe it or not, this can cause your AC to freeze up.
Solution: Try bumping up the thermostat setting, and that should fix it. Also, consider getting a smart thermostat to better manage and adjust your home’s temperature. With a smart thermostat, you can set your preferred temperatures for when you’re at home or away. Setting your preferred temperature settings to coincide with your daily or weekly schedule can help keep everything comfy without putting continuous strain on your air conditioner.
- Consider the Refrigerant: If your AC’s refrigerant levels are off, freezing can also occur. So, if you’ve got low refrigerant levels or perhaps even a leaking refrigerant issue, this HVAC conundrum can definitely happen. This is because when the coolant isn’t balanced properly, it can make the evaporator too cold, leading to moisture freezing and ice buildup.
Solution: This issue cannot be troubleshot yourself. It’s best to leave refrigerant issues to the pros. Licensed HVAC technicians have the right tools to safely check and adjust your AC’s refrigerant levels. So, if you think there’s a refrigerant problem, give us a call!
Keep an eye out for signs of low or leaking refrigerant:
- Odd bubbling or hissing noises when the AC is off
- Not enough cool air coming from the AC
- Ice visible on the refrigerant lines
Step 3: Get Professional Help
If you still can’t figure out the freezing problem, if you think there might be a refrigerant issue, or if the problem keeps coming back, it’s time to call a licensed HVAC professional. Ignoring it could stress your air conditioner and cause damage, so it’s best to avoid that.
Step 4: Start Defrosting
Before your air conditioner can get back to work, you’ll need to thaw it out. This is also important if you’re waiting for a professional to come check it out. (A frozen unit is tough to diagnose and handle.)
To safely defrost your air conditioner:
- Turn off the AC at the thermostat.
- Set the fan to ‘on’ instead of ‘auto’ to start thawing.
- Keep an eye on the melting ice to avoid water damage.
- Be patient—thawing can take from a few hours to a full day, depending on how much ice has built up.
Please, call Milford Heating & Cooling for all your cooling today at (513) 655-5112, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
