Quick Steps for Fixing a Frozen Air Conditioner

Does the air emitting from your supply registers unexpectedly feel warm? Look at the indoor part of your air conditioner. This part is situated within your furnace or air handler, if you have a heat pump. If there’s water dripping onto the floor, there may be frost on the evaporator coil. The AC coil in the equipment may have frosted over. You’ll need to defrost it before it can cool your house again.

Here’s what to do. If you can’t get the coil frost-free, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is here to help with air conditioning repair in the U.S. upheld by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.*

Step 1: Switch the Air Conditioning Off and the Blower On

To begin—set the thermostat from “cool” to “off.” This prevents chilly refrigerant from moving to the outdoor compressor, which could hurt it and cause an expensive repair.

After that, adjust the fan from “auto” to “on.” This makes heated airflow over the crystallized coils to make them melt faster. Double check to set the cooling mode to “off” so the air conditioner doesn’t trigger a cooling cycle.

It might take not more than an hour or most of the day for the ice to defrost, depending on the extent of the buildup. While you’re waiting, keep an eye on the condensate pan below the AC unit. If the drain line is clogged, it may cause a mess as the ice melts, likely causing water damage.

Step 2: Troubleshoot the Trouble

Bad airflow is a leading reason for an AC to frost over. Here’s how to troubleshoot the problem:

• • Look at the filter. Inadequate airflow through a filthy filter could be the culprit. Check and put in a new filter each month or once you see dust accumulation.

• • Open any closed supply vents. Your home’s supply registers should remain open constantly. Shutting vents reduces airflow over the evaporator coil, which could result in it freezing.

• • Be on the lookout for obstructed return vents. These usually don’t use moveable louvers, but furniture, rugs or curtains can still cover them.

• • Not enough refrigerant: While airflow restrictions are the most typical culprit, your air conditioner might also have insufficient refrigerant. Depending on when it was installed, it may use Freon®. Low refrigerant calls for pro assistance from a certified HVAC technician. H2: Step 3: Get in Touch with an HVAC Specialist at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

If inadequate airflow doesn’t appear to be the trouble, then another issue is causing your AC freeze. If this is what’s occurring, simply letting it melt won’t take care of the issue. The evaporator coil is likely to freeze again unless you fix the main issue. Contact an HVAC professional to address issues with your air conditioner, which may include:

• • Refrigerant leak: AC units recycle refrigerant, so it shouldn’t run low. Insufficient refrigerant indicates a leak somewhere. Only a pro can locate the leak, repair it, and recharge the air conditioning to the appropriate level.

• • Dirty evaporator coil: If grime collects on the coil, air can’t flow over it, and it’s liable to freeze.

• • Broken blower: A defective motor or unbalanced fan may stop airflow over the evaporator coil.

The next time your AC freezes up, contact the ACE-certified pros at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to take care of the trouble. We have a lot of experience helping homeowners troubleshoot their air conditioners, and we’re confident we can get things operating again fast. Contact us at 866-397-3787 to schedule air conditioning repair in the U.S. with us right away.