Georgia gets hot in the summer, there’s no doubt about it. And when it gets hot, air conditioners can break down from the strain on the system. A common AC problem we see during the summer is ACs freezing up. That’s right — it’s possible for ice to take your AC unit out of commission even in the heat of summer.
Luckily, a frozen air conditioner is something you can take care of yourself. Let’s talk about why you may find your AC unit frozen and what you can do to fix it.
What causes a frozen AC?
Your AC may freeze up for a variety of interconnected reasons mainly based on airflow. Air conditioners remove heat from your home using evaporator and condenser coils, which are filled with refrigerant. When dust and other debris gather on the coils, the natural condensation from the cooling process sticks to the coils rather than dripping off of them like it’s supposed to. The barrier created by this condensation and dust mixture interferes with the cooling process, making the coils get too cold and turning the condensation to ice.
Similarly, poor airflow may be enough to interfere with the system and cause the coils to freeze. Once the ice forms on your AC, the system will stop working altogether, leaving you wondering what happened to the cool air in your home.
Fixing Your Frozen AC Unit
Fortunately, it’s fairly easy to fix a frozen AC — all you have to do is thaw it out! Follow these steps if you find ice on your AC unit:
- Locate your thermostat, turning the thermostat to OFF and the fan to ON. This will circulate warm air past the coils and speed the thawing process. Do not try to break up the ice on the coils, as this will likely damage them.
- Once you begin the thawing process, all you have to do is wait. It’s a good idea to go to the pool, see a movie or visit a friend’s house while you wait. Keep in mind that the ice could take a whole day to thaw if it’s severe, and be mindful of pets and the weather for safety.
- Make sure that there is no ice left on the coils and that they’re dry as well. Then, turn your thermostat back to ON and the fan to AUTO. You should feel cool air coming from the vents within the hour
Call the Pros
If your AC keeps freezing up, it indicates that there’s a more serious problem with the system, such as a refrigerant leak. Call on the experts at Absolute Comfort Air to help determine the issue and recommend the best solution. We will perform high-quality AC repairs to get your air conditioner back up and running in no time.
How to Keep Your AC From Freezing
The best way to prevent a frozen AC is to change your air filter. Dirty air filters are the main source of frozen air conditioners because they restrict airflow and allow dust and debris into the system if left unchecked, causing dirty coils. Remember to change your filter according to the manufacturer’s specifications — for standard filters, this means every one to three months. This way, your AC will be protected against all of the problems that poor airflow can cause.
If you have questions or your AC is frequently freezing, count on Absolute Comfort Air. Contact us today to schedule a service request.
