Like most people, you probably take your air conditioner for granted until it begins acting up. However, if your air conditioner’s components are freezing, remember that it occasionally gets solved swiftly. It’s important to remember, though, that:
- It would help if you always switched off the breaker that powers your air conditioner before you start working on it and
- Some problems, like why my air conditioner keeps freezing up, need professional handling.
Allow Google to be your buddy, but be aware of its limitations. For example, there is a reason why an HVAC professional certification is required.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Keep Freezing Up?
- Dirty Air Filter
A wretched filter might cause your AC keeps freeze at the coil.
Before reaching the air ducts in your house, air contaminants are captured by the air filter in your air conditioning system. These contaminants and allergens accumulate over time, reducing airflow and impacting the system’s efficiency in cooling your home.
Air conditioners draw warm air from your house, remove the moisture, chill it down, and release it via air vents. However, it becomes increasingly difficult for air to enter your home and, more critically, your AC system when the filters limit airflow.
Because of this, condensation from the humid air will begin to freeze over the AC coils rather than running into the drip pan.
- Refrigerant Leak
If your air conditioner’s condenser unit’s side panels are freezing up, there may be a refrigerant leak to blame.
Your evaporator coils will become excessively chilly if the refrigerant is too low. This is because your evaporator coil will cause any air it comes into contact with to freeze.
- Faulty Fan
Airflow restrictions and air conditioner freezing are mechanical problems, such as a broken fan in your air conditioner.
The fan’s functions include moving warm air outdoors and assisting cold air in reaching its destination. Too much condensation can accumulate on the coils if the fan is not functioning correctly, impairing airflow. Like filthy air filters, the water droplets quickly accumulate and freeze on the coils.
What to Do When Your Air Conditioner Freezes Up?
- Step 1 – Make Sure Your Air Conditioner Is Thawed.
Will frozen AC fix itself? Unfortunately, no; depending on how much ice has developed, defrosting your air conditioner may take anywhere from 1 to 24 hours.
You must first change the setting of your thermostat from cool to off. Frozen AC coils may be pretty harmful to your compressor. One of your HVAC system’s most costly and precious components, even when it’s hot outside, and the last thing you want to do!
- Step 2 – Dry Your AC
Before turning the appliance back on, once the ice has completely melted, you must allow the coils to dry. Then, remove the cover so that the air conditioner may dry naturally.
- Step 3 – Find the Cause and Fix It
Your air conditioner freezing up can happen for several different reasons. First, determine the source to prevent the AC coils from freezing up. Once the issue has been resolved, restart the HVAC system and set the thermostat to “cool.” Everything is fine if you feel cool air circulating in your room!
Will Frozen AC Fix Itself?
Having a broken air conditioner is a nightmare on a steamy summer day. It becomes much worse when you examine the air conditioner and discover a block of ice. That is what a frozen air conditioner is.
Naturally, why does my window air conditioner freeze up? Turning off the AC at the breaker is the simplest way to solve this problem. However, the ice jamming in your unit will melt in 24 to 48 hours, so you may switch the AC back on.
Wrapping Up
It is possible to prevent most of the reasons for AC units freezing, but some cannot be avoided due to mechanical problems. However, with routine maintenance, you may avoid many issues. These include summoning a professional twice a year for a checkup, cleaning the coils and condensate drain line, and changing the filter every month.
Read also: How to Reset an Air Conditioner Unit
If your air conditioning system continues to freeze up despite changing the filters and ensuring proper airflow, it might be time to consult an HVAC technician. These professionals can check refrigerant levels and inspect refrigerant lines for leaks, which are common issues that can lead to your system freezing.
An optimal refrigerant level is crucial for the efficient operation of your air conditioner, as it is responsible for absorbing heat from your home and releasing it outside.
Furthermore, regular maintenance by a qualified HVAC technician can prevent most causes of freezing. This includes checking for any mechanical issues that may impede airflow, ensuring that refrigerant levels are adequately maintained, and inspecting refrigerant lines for signs of wear and tear.
Such proactive steps can significantly enhance your system’s longevity and performance, ensuring your home remains comfortable throughout the year.
