Quick Steps to Repair a Frozen Air Conditioner

Does the air flowing from your supply registers abruptly appear hot? Check the indoor part of your air conditioner. This component is situated within your furnace or air handler, if you rely on a heat pump. If there’s water dripping onto the floor, there may be crystals on the evaporator coil. The AC coil inside the equipment might have frosted over. You’ll need to melt it before it can cool your residence again.

Here’s the steps you should take. If you can’t get the coil defrosted, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is here to support you with air conditioning repair in the U.S. backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.*

Step 1: Set the Air Conditioning to Off and the Blower On

First things first—set the thermostat from “cool” to “off.” This stops cold refrigerant from flowing to the outdoor compressor, which could damage it and result in a costly repair.

Next, move the fan from “auto” to “on.” This makes hot airflow over the frozen coils to help them thaw faster. Make sure to set the cooling mode to “off” so the air conditioner doesn’t start a cooling cycle.

It could take under an hour or most of the day for the ice to thaw, depending on the amount of the buildup. While you’re waiting, keep an eye on the condensate pan underneath the AC unit. If the drain line is clogged, it could overflow as the ice melts, likely causing water damage.

Step 2: Diagnose the Trouble

Not enough airflow is a chief explanation for an AC to frost over. Here’s how to figure out the problem:

• • Check the filter. Low airflow through a dusty filter could be to blame. Inspect and change the filter monthly or as soon as you see dust buildup.

• • Open any closed supply vents. Your home’s supply registers should be open all the time. Shutting vents decreases airflow over the evaporator coil, which might cause it to freeze.

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

• • Low refrigerant: While airflow restrictions are the most frequent suspect, your system may also be low on refrigerant. Depending on its age, it may use Freon®. Insufficient refrigerant calls for pro help from a certified HVAC tech. H2: Step 3: Call an HVAC Pro at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

If inadequate airflow doesn’t appear to be the trouble, then another issue is causing your AC frost over. If this is what’s happening, just defrosting it won’t repair the issue. The evaporator coil is likely to continually freeze unless you take care of the main symptom. Get in touch with an HVAC professional to check for troubles with your air conditioner, which could include:

• • Refrigerant leak: AC units continuously use refrigerant, so it shouldn’t run low. Low refrigerant indicates a leak somewhere. Only a pro can find the leak, fix it, and recharge the air conditioning to the appropriate level.

• • Filthy evaporator coil: If dust accumulates on the coil, air can’t reach it, and it’s likely to freeze.

• • Nonfunctional blower: A faulty motor or unbalanced fan can prevent airflow over the evaporator coil.

When your AC freezes up, contact the ACE-certified Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to repair the issue. We have a lot of experience helping homeowners check their air conditioners, and we’re certain we can get things running again in no time. Contact us at 866-397-3787 to book air conditioning repair in the U.S. with us today.