If your air conditioner is freezing up, you might be perplexed about how this could happen. How does an AC unit freeze in the heat? While it may seem puzzling, there are multiple reasons why your air conditioning system might be freezing. We invite you to explore with your Huber Heights Heating & Cooling experts the most common causes and troubleshooting steps to address a frozen air conditioner.
Step 1: Stay Calm
Before we proceed, we want to reassure you that everything is under control. We will work through this together. Additionally, rest assured that your Huber Heights Heating & Cooling team is here to support you and provide assistance if needed. Please remain calm, and let’s resolve this matter together.
Step 2: Troubleshoot the Issue
Insufficient Airflow
Issue: Reduced airflow can cause your AC to freeze if it cannot function correctly. Therefore, note that clogged air filters or closed vents may impede airflow, leading to the buildup of cool air and causing the AC’s refrigerant to condense on the coils.
Solution: Regularly inspect your air filters and replace them as needed during troubleshooting. Additionally, ensure all vents in your home are open and free from any obstructions that could impede airflow.
Take Note: It is advisable to replace your air filters every 1-3 months, depending on the filter type.
Incorrect Thermostat Settings
Issue: It’s not impossible that your thermostat settings are too low. If the temperature in your home is set excessively low, your air conditioner may struggle to maintain a continuous cycle of extremely low temperatures.
Solution: Adjust your thermostat to a higher setting. Additionally, consider investing in a smart thermostat to efficiently monitor and regulate your home’s temperature, thereby reducing strain on your air conditioner. With a smart thermostat, you can preprogram temperature settings to maintain your preferred cool environment throughout the week, ensuring your home is comfortable and ready for relaxation upon your arrival.
Imbalanced Refrigerant Levels
Issue: Imbalanced refrigerant levels can cause your AC to freeze. If the coolant in your AC is not at the proper level, it can lower the evaporator’s temperature excessively, resulting in moisture freezing and ice buildup.
Solution: It is advisable to allow a professional to manage refrigerant issues. A licensed HVAC technician possesses the appropriate equipment to safely inspect and adjust the AC’s refrigerant levels. Therefore, please contact us if you suspect a refrigerant problem.
Signs of refrigerant issues can include:
- Bubbling or hissing noises when the AC is off
- The AC is not dispensing cool air
- Ice formation on refrigerant lines
Step 3: Contact an HVAC Professional
If you are unable to identify the cause of the freezing, suspect a refrigerant issue, or encounter this problem repeatedly, it is advisable to consult a licensed HVAC professional. Ignoring this issue may place undue strain on your air conditioning unit and lead to preventable damage. Therefore, it is important not to delay addressing the matter.
Step 4: Let the Unit Thaw
Once you have identified the ice on your unit, you’ll need to let your AC thaw out first. Whether you are able to fix and troubleshoot the issue yourself or whether you are waiting for an HVAC technician to arrive, the unit will need to be thawed beforehand.
To defrost your AC properly:
- Turn off your air conditioner at the thermostat.
- Change your fan setting from ‘auto’ to ‘on’ to initiate the defrosting process.
- Monitor the water from the melting ice. Ensure that the melted water does not cause any water damage in the area.
- Exercise patience. Thawing can take several hours to an entire day, depending on the amount of ice present.
We provide 24/7 emergency services to ensure you and your home remain cool. Call Huber Heights Heating & Cooling today at (937) 226-9675, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
