If you live in an area where the temperatures rarely drop below freezing, it can be very disconcerting to see your air conditioner freeze up. In fact, you are likely to notice that your air conditioner has frozen on a hot summer day, making it seem very strange and out of place. Unfortunately, every air conditioning unit has the potential for freezing, so you need to know why this happens and what you can do to prevent it.
Why Does an Air Conditioner Freeze?
Generally, outside of external freezing temperatures, there are two possible scenarios that can result in your air conditioner freezing. The first is that during hot summer weather, the sun is consistently heating up your air conditioner. This intense heat can make the air conditioner kick into high gear, or you may have cranked up the AC. As the air conditioner is cooling the home, it could build up amounts of condensation on the unit’s evaporator coil. The coil is meant to be kept at a consistent temperature, but without heat, the temperature of the coil can drop to below 32ºF, which will freeze any condensation. When this happens, it is likely to cause a blockage, which would encourage more water to become frozen, exacerbating the problem.
The other potential cause, which is even more common is that your air conditioner has become low on refrigerant. Air conditioning systems are designed to be a closed system, trapping the refrigerant inside. Unfortunately, even a small leak can allow refrigerant to be lost. While it is possible to top up the refrigerant levels, unless the underlying problem is detected and corrected, the problem will reoccur. When the refrigerant is low, the air conditioner is only blowing air rather than dehumidifying and cooling the air.
What Should You Do If Your Air Conditioner Becomes Frozen?
If you notice your air conditioner has become frozen, the first step to take is to turn off the unit and allow it to defrost. Since it is likely to be a warm day, this should only take a couple of hours. The unit should not be operated when it is frozen as it is not safe and it will not be efficient. Trying to run a frozen air conditioner could cause damage to the compressor, which is one of the most expensive repair issues.
Once the air conditioner has defrosted, you should clean or replace your filter. You should also check that all the vents are clear of debris. A blockage can contribute to condensation issues and other problems. Turn on the air conditioner and check that the blower motors are operating correctly. The motor should not be making odd sounds or noises.
If there was an accumulation of debris on the filter or in the vents, you might have corrected the underlying problem, and it may not reoccur. If the refrigerant has become low, you will need an HVAC technician to assess your system. An experienced technician will be able to correct any underlying issues before topping up the refrigerant. When the air conditioner is running, you should be aware of any odd sounds, smells or puddles of water around the unit. These can indicate that the underlying problem has not been addressed, and you are likely to need professional assistance.