If you have a problem with your AC unit freezing up, it’s essential to take some time and do the required maintenance. Doing this should fix the problem without any further complications.
1. Turn Off the AC
If your AC unit is freezing up, you first need to turn off the AC. Check the efficiency of the blower to see if it’s working. A damaged blower could be the reason your unit froze. If it’s damaged, it will need to be replaced by a technician. Leave the blower on to ensure sufficient circulation of air in the system.
2. Thaw the Ice
You need to thaw the ice on the coils. As the blower brings in warm air, it heats the ice. This process takes hours, so you’ll need to be patient. If you keep thawing the ice, it will completely melt.
3. Dry and Clean the Evaporator Coils
The AC should not be turned on yet as the coils will still be wet, and that can cause more freezing. Let the blower continue running to dry the coils. Afterward, the AC should run as usual. However, you’ll need to prevent freezing from occurring again, so you must clean the evaporator coils. Dirty coils can be the cause of your system freezing.
Evaporator coils carry the refrigerant that absorbs heat from the indoor air. When they are dirty, they cannot perform their function efficiently, causing the refrigerant to cool too much. Then, the equipment eventually freezes up.
You also need routine maintenance to prevent this. You should check your air filter and clean it regularly. You ought to have your system periodically checked by a professional. Leaks lead to low refrigerant levels, which could be why your unit froze. When the refrigerant level is low, the pressure in the evaporator coils drops, causing the moisture to build up and freeze over the component.
The refrigerant is toxic, and you need professionals who know what they are doing when handling it. If you’re located in or near Warrenton, VA, our team at Ideal HVAC Services will help maintain your system.
In conclusion, a frozen AC unit isn’t a problem that’s hard to fix, but you may need assistance. If you don’t have experience, then you should hire a certified technician to do this for you. At Ideal HVAC Services, we offer cooling, heating, and indoor air quality installation, maintenance, and repair services. Contact us today for more information.