How To Thaw A Frozen AC

After a long day in the hot sun, the last thing you want to come home to is an AC unit that is out of order. Before getting too crazy with troubleshooting, you should determine whether the system is frozen or if your AC unit’s ability to cool is decreasing.

In the thick of the blazing summer heat, an air conditioner that has frozen over can be a real pain. If you’re unsure of what to do, Baldwin Heating & Cooling is here to help you discover a reliable solution! Here’s a quick look at how to thaw an AC unit and get it working without scheduling an AC repair.

Causes Of A Frozen Air Conditioner

Contrary to its name, a frozen air conditioner isn’t a unit trapped in a block of ice. When the machinery freezes, moisture ices around your system’s coils. Numerous issues can cause your AC to freeze, compromising your home comfort.

Blocked Air Flow

The air conditioner coils may freeze if the airflow is insufficient. To prevent condensation from freezing on the coil, warm air from the surrounding region is used to keep the air temperature above freezing.

There may not be enough airflow to the evaporator coil if air registers are clogged. An AC unit’s air circulation may become blocked due to a dirty air filter. This obstruction may hinder the unit’s active heat exchange, causing a steady drop in temperature. Without adequate ventilation, the coil temperature will fall below freezing, which will cause any moisture in the air to gather and freeze.

The Blower Fan Isn’t Working

The blower fan contributes to maintaining even airflow throughout the air conditioner. When the air within the system gets colder, it gets denser and has a hard time circulating throughout the home. The blower fan will force hot air out of your area so that this air may readily flow throughout the room.

The refrigerant line freezes if the fan becomes damaged, which disrupts the overall air circulation system inside the air conditioner and in your home.

Your Refrigerant Is Low

Low refrigerant levels and leaks can cause your AC to freeze. The refrigerant is designed to transfer heat from your home to the outdoors. Afterward, it is transported through the compressor and condenser, transitioning from liquid to gas. This processes the AC in keeping your home at a low, cozy temperature.

Low refrigerant levels will result in a drop in internal air pressure and an ineffective air-to-liquid cycle. The evaporator coil becomes too cold due to temperatures dropping below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, causing the humidity to freeze and build up on the coil.

Can You Thaw An AC Yourself?

The accumulation of ice and frost on your air conditioner is a clear sign that something is wrong with it. Homeowners can defrost the unit but should allow 24 hours for ice to melt. Follow these steps to correctly defrost your air conditioner:

Turn off your thermostat.
Turn your fan on and wait for your unit to thaw.
Dry the AC coils with a towel when thawing.

After completing the defrosting process, your air conditioner shouldn’t experience any more frost-related problems. If the issue persists, something is amiss inside your unit. Our professional technicians can perform a repair service to get your unit up and running again.

Contact Us For Thawsome AC Repair In Daphne

Baldwin Heating & Cooling takes pride in servicing homeowners in Daphne, Alabama and surrounding locations. If you’re experiencing the hassle of a frozen AC unit, our technicians are happy to help find a solution to your problem. For your AC unit to run efficiently throughout the hot season, we offer preventative maintenance services to prepare for the summer heat.