If your air conditioner is freezing up, you might be wondering how this happened. How does an AC unit freeze in the heat? While it seems puzzling, there are several reasons why your system could be freezing up. Explore the common causes and troubleshooting steps with your Kettering-Oakwood Heating & Air experts to fix a frozen air conditioner.
Step 1: Stay Calm
Before we dive in, we want to reassure you that everything is okay. We can figure this out together. Your Kettering-Oakwood Heating & Air family is here to support you and help if needed. Stay calm, and let’s resolve this together.
Step 2: Begin Troubleshooting
Airflow
Issue: Reduced airflow can cause your AC to freeze if it can’t function properly. Remember, clogged air filters or closed vents can block airflow, leading to a buildup of cool air and causing the AC’s refrigerant to condense on the coils.
Solution: Regularly check your air filters and replace them if needed while troubleshooting. Make sure all vents in your home are open and free of any obstructions that could block airflow.
Take Note: Change your air filters every 1-3 months, based on the filter type.
Thermostat
Issue: Your thermostat settings might be too low. If your home’s temperature is set very low, your air conditioner may struggle to maintain such a low temperature continuously.
Solution: Set your thermostat to a higher setting. Consider investing in a smart thermostat to efficiently monitor and adjust your home’s temperature, reducing strain on your air conditioner. A smart thermostat lets you preprogram your preferred temperature settings for the week, keeping your home cool and comfortable when you arrive.
Refrigerant
Issue: If your refrigerant levels are imbalanced, your AC can freeze. This happens because incorrect coolant levels can lower the evaporator’s temperature too much, causing moisture to freeze and ice to build up.
Solution: It’s best to let a professional handle refrigerant issues. A licensed HVAC technician has the right tools to safely check and manage the AC’s refrigerant levels. So, if you suspect a refrigerant problem, call us.
Signs of refrigerant issues can include:
- Bubbling or hissing sounds when the AC is off
- The AC isn’t blowing cool air
- Ice on the refrigerant lines
Step 3: Defrost Your Unit
Once you’ve found ice on your unit, take the necessary steps to get your AC working again. First, let the ice thaw.
To defrost your AC properly:
- Turn off your air conditioner at the thermostat.
- Set your fan from ‘auto’ to ‘on’ to start defrosting.
- Monitor the melting ice’s water. Ensure the melting water won’t cause damage to the surrounding area.
- Wait. Thawing can take anywhere from a few hours to an entire day, depending on the amount of ice.
Step 4: Consult a Professional
If you can’t identify the cause of the freezing, there’s a refrigerant issue, or this problem keeps recurring, it’s time to consult a licensed HVAC professional. Ignoring this could strain your AC unit and cause unnecessary damage. Don’t delay addressing it.
Call Kettering-Oakwood Heating & Air for all your HVAC needs today at (937) 502-3842 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here! We’ll get you up and running in no time!
