AC Frozen? A Step-by-Step Guide for Weatherford Homeowners
If you find your air conditioner is frozen, with ice covering the coils or lines, the first and most important step is to turn the system OFF at the thermostat. Then, turn the fan setting to ON (not AUTO) to circulate air and help the ice melt faster. Do not try to chip the ice away. The most common cause of a frozen AC is a dirty air filter, so check and replace yours while the unit is thawing. If the problem persists after thawing and replacing the filter, you likely have a more serious issue like a refrigerant leak and should call a professional for AC repair.
It seems counterintuitive, but one of the most common air conditioner problems we see in the Weatherford area is a unit freezing up: even on the hottest days. A frozen AC won't cool your home and can cause serious damage if left running. Understanding why it happens and what to do can save you from a costly emergency repair.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?
An AC unit freezes when the evaporator coil (the part inside your home that gets cold) drops below 32°F. Moisture from the air then freezes onto the coil, creating a block of ice. This is almost always caused by one of two things:
- Restricted Airflow: Not enough warm air is passing over the coils to keep them above freezing. This is most often caused by a dirty air filter.
- Low Refrigerant: If your system is low on refrigerant due to a leak, the pressure drop in the system causes the coils to get too cold.
Your 4-Step Action Plan for a Frozen AC
If you see ice on your AC unit, follow these steps immediately:
| Step | Action | Why It's Important |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Turn the AC OFF | Go to your thermostat and switch the system from COOL to OFF. | Continuing to run the AC can severely damage the compressor, which is the most expensive part of the unit. |
| 2. Turn the Fan ON | Change the fan setting from AUTO to ON. | This will force air to blow over the frozen coils, which will significantly speed up the thawing process. |
| 3. Wait for It to Thaw | Let the unit thaw completely. This can take anywhere from 1 to 12 hours, depending on how much ice has formed. Place towels around the indoor unit to catch any melting water. | Do not try to break or melt the ice with a sharp object or hairdryer, as you can easily damage the delicate coils. |
| 4. Check the Air Filter | While the unit is thawing, inspect your air filter. If it's gray, clogged, or you can't see light through it, replace it with a new one. | A dirty filter is the most common cause of freezing, and this simple step often solves the problem. |
What to Do After It Thaws
Once the ice is completely gone and you've installed a clean air filter, you can try turning your AC back on. If it runs normally and doesn't freeze up again, a dirty filter was likely the culprit. However, if the unit begins to freeze up again, it's a strong sign of a refrigerant leak or another mechanical problem. Turn the system off and call a professional.
Regular AC maintenance is the best way to prevent your AC from freezing in the first place. Learn more about how often you should service your HVAC. During a tune-up, a technician will clean the coils and check refrigerant levels, addressing the two main causes of freezing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take for an AC to unfreeze?
It can take anywhere from 1 to 12 hours. Running the fan can cut this time in half. The important thing is to wait until all the ice is gone before turning the cooling back on.
2. Can I just pour hot water on the ice to melt it faster?
No. This can cause thermal shock and crack the coils, leading to a much more expensive repair. Let it thaw naturally with the fan.
3. My AC smells musty after it thawed. What should I do?
The excess moisture from the melting ice can sometimes lead to a musty smell or even mold. If the smell persists, you may need a professional coil cleaning. Learn more about mold in AC units. You can also read our guide on how to clean your air conditioning unit.
The Bottomline: Don't Get Left in the Heat
A frozen AC is a problem that needs to be addressed quickly and correctly. While a dirty filter is a simple fix, ignoring a recurring freezing issue can lead to catastrophic system failure. The experts at CB Air Conditioning and Heating are ready to help diagnose the problem and get your home cool again.
If your AC has frozen up, follow our guide. If the problem comes back,
contact us,
book emergency service, or call our 24/7 emergency service line at (817) 341-9505 for fast, reliable service in Weatherford, Aledo, and the surrounding areas. Check our
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