If you’re unaware of the problems it can cause, having a frozen air conditioner might sound like a good thing. Unfortunately, an icy cooling system is a cruel form of irony. A freezing AC is a sign of an imbalance within your system that needs to be corrected.
The best way to avoid severe HVAC issues is to understand how your system operates. Complete Comfort Air Conditioning and Heating wants our clients to have access to all the resources they need to responsibly handle your HVAC system. If you’re dealing with a frozen air conditioning unit, our team is here to help you discover the solution to the issue.
What Does It Mean When My AC Is Frozen?
An air conditioner freezes because the process of heat transfer is interrupted at the evaporator coil. This causes excessive levels of humidity to build up inside, which freezes because the system can’t absorb enough heat. There are a few common culprits that cause freezing within your AC unit.
Insufficient Airflow
Efficient airflow is an absolute necessity for your air conditioner to operate. A lack of airflow is one of the most common causes of a frozen system. Airflow facilitates heat transfer by moving hot air over the condenser and removing the humidity responsible for building up and freezing. Insufficient airflow can be caused by several factors, including dirty filters, dirty ductwork and clogged air vents or registers.
Low Refrigerant Levels
The refrigerant in your HVAC system aids the heat transfer process, which allows your system to produce cool air. Without an adequate level of refrigerant, your unit wouldn’t remove enough heat from the air to prevent it from freezing.
Dirty Evaporator Coil
Your evaporator coil must be regularly cleared of dirt and debris. Failing to do so can allow it to accumulate buildup from its surrounding environment. This debris will eventually disrupt the heat transfer process, causing the unit to freeze.
How To Thaw A Frozen AC
If your AC does freeze, it’s important to take the proper steps to ensure it thaws. Running a frozen air conditioner can cause a lot of stress to a system, damaging its components further.
Here are a few steps you can take to melt the ice from your AC unit:
- Shut off the air conditioner.
- Ensure that airflow isn’t restricted by checking the registers, vents and air filter.
- Change the fan setting from “auto” to “on.”
- Allow time for the ice to melt.
When your system freezes, it’s crucial to let the ice thaw and contact a professional as soon as possible. In many cases, an air conditioner will run fine after a homeowner has allowed it to unfreeze. However, when things go wrong, it’s always best practice to have your system inspected by a professional. These precautions ensure nothing is wrong with the machinery and prevent future freezing.
Keep Your AC Cool, Not Frozen! With Air Conditioning Repair Services By Complete Comfort
If you’re dealing with a frozen air conditioner and need access to AC repair in Jupiter, Complete Comfort Air Conditioning and Heating is here to help. Whether your problem is big or small, our team will approach every job with maximum effort and care. We strive to keep your system in excellent condition, especially if it experiences technical issues that require a solution. Contact us today to schedule your next repair service!