One of the most common problems you can experience with your air conditioning is a frozen AC unit. Proper airflow around your units evaporator coil is key. Without enough airflow, the coil will freeze leading to a whole host of problems. If left running, a frozen AC unit can quickly cause damage to the compressor. Not only is this an expensive component to fix or replace, but a compressor failure can also cause even more damage and will certainly put your AC out of commission for a while.
While this may sound a bit over the top, there are thankfully many things you can do to prevent and address a frozen AC unit. The first step, if you suspect you are dealing with a frozen evaporator coil is to turn off your AC and call your heating & air conditioning service team right away.
Signs Your AC is Frozen
Frozen AC units are fairly common, and can be caused by a lot of different air conditioner problems. There are be a number of signs your AC is frozen. Ironically, hot rooms or uneven cooling can indicate a frozen AC unit. As the evaporator coil becomes covered in ice, it will be unable to transfer the heat needed to cool the air. So your AC may feel as if it is blowing warm or hot air. Another big sign that you have a frozen AC unit is a complete lack of airflow. Once the ice is thick enough, airflow will cut off completely or be very low. Finally, look for water or dampness around vents. This can be a sign of a frozen AC unit as well.
Dealing With a Frozen AC Unit
Once you have called an HVAC technician to address the problem, there are a few things you can do to prevent immediate damage. First, if you can access the evaporator coil, you can melt some of the ice. Make sure the unit is turned fully off and then use a fan or a blow dryer to melt ice. Do not touch the coils as this could cause more damage to them. You should also make sure to clean up the water created by melting the ice with a wet vac. Finally, you can check for vent blockages and other airflow issues that might be visible to the naked eye, such as large leaks in a duct or closed off return vents.
From there, the service technician can check for other common airflow problems, like dirty filters and issues with the fan motor. The technician will also check your AC drain line and condensate pan to make sure there is not a blockage there as this can also lead to a frozen AC unit. They will also check ductwork for leaks, and might check to see if your thermostat is the reason for a frozen AC unit. Finally, low refrigerant levels can cause your air conditioner to freeze.
Once the problem is fixed and your frozen AC unit is working well again, you can take some steps to prevent this in the future. Regular system cleanings can help a lot by removing dirty air filters as well as any clogs in the drain line. It also helps to get your refrigerant levels checked regularly by your service team at Galmiche & Sons.
Get Professional Help with Your Air Conditioning Problems
If you are dealing with the headache of a frozen AC unit, call our heating & air conditioning professionals today. We will handle your repairs swiftly and efficiently so your family can get back to enjoying the summer heat, on your terms!
