We are known as one of the best AC repair companies in Toledo, Ohio and our HVAC repair technicians have worked with clients across the Ohio Valley to deliver amazing air conditioner repairs for a host of issues. From damaged fins to an AC unit that won't hold its charge, we have dealt with it all. However, one of the most common issues we see on the residential side is frozen ACs. So, with that in mind, we thought it was a good time to do a bit of a deep dive into why air conditioning units freeze and the steps you can take at home to help alleviate the issue before calling in the big guns at Fry.
What is a frozen AC?
A frozen AC is an air conditioner unit in which the evaporator coil temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. When this happens, the condensation on the unit turns to ice, which, in turn, slowly overwhelms the unit until the system shuts down. Now, any AC can become frozen, but the older the unit, the more susceptible it is to freezing, at least in our experience.
What causes a frozen air conditioner?
Freezing is normally caused by one of two things: a lack of airflow or a lack of refrigerant. Airflow issues can be caused by a blocked vent, malfunctioning fans, or a dirty air filter that is not allowing enough airflow into the unit. While a lack of refrigerant is normally caused by a refrigerant line leak, either in the hose or somewhere in the AC unit.
How can you help unfreeze your cooling system?
There are a few things you can do as a homeowner to help unfreeze your system, and we will note that your AC unit will take some time to thaw, so be patient.
Turn off the AC
The first step in any thaw is to turn off the thermostat that is connected to the AC unit. You will want to switch your thermostat to off and ensure your system is not calling for increased cooling to prevent further damage to your compressor.
Run the Fan
Next, you will want to change your fan setting from Auto to On. This will cause the fan to blow air over the coils, speeding up the melting process.
Check your lines
The next step is to check your lines and manage the water runoff. You will want to ensure that if you have an interior unit, your drain pan is empty and that your condensate drain line is clear of any clogs. If you have an outdoor unit, you can use a garden hose on a fan setting to spray it down and speed up the process, but expect a pool of water around your unit in the near future.
Let the unit sit
Finally, and most frustratingly for many of our clients, the next step is just to wait. Thawing will take time and typically takes between four and eight hours, depending on factors such as the outside temperature and the unit's location. Once you see no signs of ice, you are fully thawed.
Call Fry
The last step, and we would argue, the most important step is to call Fry. As a professional HVAC repair company, we can work with you to identify the source of the problem and provide a permanent fix. Whether we are dealing with an airflow issue caused by damage or a refrigerant leak inside the unit, our HVAC technicians can provide a repair that will prevent the issue from recurring.
What not to do when you have a Frozen AC Unit
Now, we should mention a few things that we have seen on the internet that you should never do when thawing out a frozen AC unit.
- Never use a sharp object to chip away at the ice. Things such as screwdrivers, knives and other tools can damage the coils and cause significant damage to the unit.
- Never turn on the AC during the thawing process, as you risk additional damage to the compressor and the coils.
- Never smash or punch the exterior of the unit to try and knock down the ice, as you can damage the fins, coils or interior wiring.
Well, you now know what to do if you are dealing with a frozen AC unit in Toledo, OH. Shut off the AC, check that your water flow will be ok, let the unit sit, and call in Fry. We have dealt with dozens of frozen AC units every year, and whether we are repairing or replacing the entire unit, our team of talented, experienced technicians can ensure you get the AC services that you need in a timely manner.
Let us handle your frozen AC by giving us a call
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