If your air conditioner (AC) freezes up on a hot day you will notice pretty quick. When your system freezes that is a sign of a potentially significant problem. Are you wondering what you need to do when your air conditioner freezes? The only way to fix a system once it’s frozen is to let it thaw out. There are a couple of signs to look for that will let you know if your system is frozen.
Signs Of a Frozen Air Conditioning System
Minimal Cold Air Coming Out Of the Vents
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.
Frost On the Refrigerant Lines
The most obvious visual sign is frost on the copper lines. The frost builds up and shows on the copper coming out of the system. In severe cases, a full block of ice can form which can take a while to thaw out.
How to Fix a Frozen Unit
1.) Shut the System Off
The first thing you need to do when your air conditioner freezes includes deactivating the system. If the air conditioner continues to try to cool then more ice is going to form. Turn the cooling off at your thermostat or pull the disconnect breaker to the outdoor unit only.
2.) Turn the Thermostat Fan Setting to On
Turn your thermostat fan setting to “On” so that the fan continues to blow air over the coil. The warm air in the home will naturally defrost the frozen coil. In severe cases, the heat can be turned on to speed up the process.
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3.) Check Your System For Water Damage
Once the coil starts to thaw the water will collect inside of the system but often it will overflow because there is more water collected than what can drain out. Be aware that water damage can occur if your primary drain pan located inside the evaporator coil overflows.
How Do I Keep My Air Conditioner (AC) From Freezing Up?
There are a lot of reasons why the coils can freeze. The easiest way to prevent a frozen air conditioner is to continuously inspect and replace your air filter. A dirty filter reduces airflow and causes the refrigerant cycle to lose the balance of air and line pressures. The biggest cause is normally a failure in the refrigerant line. The vast majority of the time compromised refrigerant lines can not be repaired and a new system component is then needed to be replaced.
Air Conditioning Repair & Installation Services
Our team of licensed technicians provide exceptional air conditioning repair and HVAC services in Atlanta, GA. In addition, our team offers other types of HVAC solutions such as furnace replacement, heat pump maintenance, and air conditioning replacement. Whether its essential maintenance or a larger issue, contacting our team is the best bet. We will find the best solution for you and we’ll have your home cool and comfortable as quickly as possible.