3 Fast Steps for Fixing a Frozen Air Conditioner

Does the air coming from your supply registers suddenly seem not cold enough? Inspect the indoor component of your air conditioner. This piece is located inside your furnace or air handler, if you use a heat pump. If there’s water seeping onto the floor, there may be frost on the evaporator coil. The AC coil in the equipment could have frozen. You’ll need to defrost it before it can cool your home again.

Here’s the things you should do. If you can’t get the coil defrosted, Sunbeam Service Experts is here to help with air conditioning repair in Buffalo that includes a a 100% satisfaction guarantee.*

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

To begin—switch the thermostat from “cool” to “off.” This stops chilled refrigerant from flowing to the outdoor compressor, which could damage it and lead to an expensive repair.

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

It may take less than an hour or the majority of the day for the ice to thaw, depending on the extent of the accumulation. While you’re waiting, watch the condensate pan under the AC unit. If the drain line is blocked, it can spill over as the ice melts, potentially resulting in water damage.

Step 2: Pinpoint the Problem

Low airflow is a leading explanation for an AC to freeze up. Here’s how to get to the bottom of the problem:

  • Inspect the filter. Poor airflow through a clogged filter could be the problem. Look at and change the filter each month or once you notice a layer of dust.
  • Open any shut supply vents. Your home’s supply registers should stay open all the time. Shutting vents reduces airflow over the evaporator coil, which might lead it to freeze.
  • Check for covered return vents. These typically don’t come with shiftable louvers, but furniture, rugs or curtains can still cover them.
  • Not enough refrigerant: While airflow restrictions are the most typical suspect, your system could also be low on refrigerant. Depending on its age, it may rely on Freon®. Not enough refrigerant requires pro help from a certified HVAC technician. H2: Step 3: Call an HVAC Professional at Sunbeam Service Experts

If inadequate airflow doesn’t feel like the problem, then another issue is causing your AC freeze up. If this is what’s occurring, simply letting it melt won’t take care of the problem. The evaporator coil is likely to keep freezing unless you take care of the root problem. Contact an HVAC technician to address problems with your air conditioner, which may include:

  • Refrigerant leak: AC units keep using refrigerant, so it shouldn’t get used up. Not enough refrigerant indicates a leak somewhere. Only a tech can pinpoint the leak, repair it, and recharge the system to the appropriate concentration.
  • Dirty evaporator coil: If dirt accumulates on the coil, air can’t flow over it, and it’s apt to freeze.
  • Nonfunctional blower: A faulty motor or unbalanced fan can halt airflow over the evaporator coil.

The next time your AC freezes up, get in touch with the ACE-certified technicians at Sunbeam Service Experts to take care of the situation. We have a lot of experience helping homeowners check their air conditioners, and we’re sure we can get things operating again in no time. Contact us at 716-427-6807 to schedule air conditioning repair in Buffalo with us right away.

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*Not applicable to the Advantage Program. See your signed Advantage Program agreement for full details and exclusions. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is subject to certain restrictions and limitations as set forth in the applicable Terms and Conditions.

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