AC unit freeze in the heat? While it sounds puzzling, there could be multiple reasons why your system is freezing up. So, feel free to chat with your Hilliard-Dublin Heating & Air experts about the most common causes and troubleshooting steps to fix a frozen air conditioner.
Step 1: Try Not to Panic
Before we dive in, we want to reassure you that everything is okay. We’ll figure this out together, and you can rest easy knowing your Hilliard-Dublin Heating & Air family is here to support you and help if needed! So, stay calm, and let’s sort this out together.
Step 2: Try These Troubleshooting Steps
Think About Airflow
Issue: Reduced airflow can cause your AC to freeze if it’s not working properly. So, remember that clogged air filters or closed vents can slow down airflow, leading to a buildup of cool air and the AC’s refrigerant condensing on top of the coils.
Solution: Keep things flowing smoothly by regularly checking your air filters and replacing them if needed while troubleshooting. Also, make sure all vents in your home are open and free from any obstructions that might block airflow.
Take Note: We suggest changing your air filters every 1-3 months, depending on the type of filter.
Think About the Thermostat Settings
Issue: It’s possible that your thermostat settings are a bit too low. If your home’s temperature is set too low, your air conditioner might struggle to keep up with the constant demand for those extra chilly temps.
Solution: Go ahead and adjust your thermostat to a higher setting. Also, think about getting a smart thermostat to efficiently monitor and adjust your home’s temperature, reducing strain on your air conditioner. With a smart thermostat, you can preprogram your settings to keep your home at your preferred cool temperature all week long. That way, your place is always ready for you to sit back and relax when you get home.
Think About the Refrigerant Levels
Issue: Imbalanced refrigerant levels can cause your AC to freeze. If the coolant in your AC isn’t at the right level, it could make the evaporator’s temperature too low, 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, please give us a call if you think there’s a refrigerant problem.
Signs of refrigerant issues can include:
- If there are bubbling or hissing sounds when the AC is off
- If the AC is not blowing cool air
- If there is ice on the refrigerant lines
Step 3: Bring in a Professional
If you can’t pinpoint why it’s freezing, if there’s a refrigerant problem, or if this keeps happening, it’s best to call a licensed HVAC professional. Ignoring this could strain your AC unit and lead to avoidable damage, so it’s not something you want to delay.
Step 4: Try to Let Your Unit Thaw
In the meantime, you’ll need to let the ice thaw before the unit can be diagnosed.
To defrost your AC properly:
- Turn off your air conditioner at the thermostat.
- Switch your fan setting from ‘auto’ to ‘on’ to kickstart the defrosting process.
- Keep an eye on the melting ice’s water. If there’s a lot of ice, make sure the melted water won’t cause any damage to the surrounding area.
- Be patient! Thawing can take a few hours or even a whole day, depending on the amount of ice.
Remember, we’re here with our 24/7 emergency services to keep you and your home cool and comfortable all year long! Call Hilliard-Dublin Heating & Air today at (614) 490-7520, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
