Will Frozen AC Fix itself?

Are you sweltering in the summertime heat because your AC is frozen? 

Air conditioners may occasionally freeze due to overuse, faulty parts, or other issues. While some of these problems are easy to manage on your own, a frozen AC can also result in major issues with the unit. If this is the case, you need the best air conditioner repair Fort Collins offers.

What Causes an AC to Freeze? 

Once your AC freezes, it won’t work until the ice has completely thawed out. As you wait for your AC to unfreeze, check out some of the common causes of this problem. 

Dirty Air Filters 

Dirty air filters are a frequent reason why air conditioners freeze. When the air filter gets dirty, it prevents proper airflow. In addition, it can cause the evaporator coil to become dirty and ineffective. The resulting dirty evaporator coil and reduced airflow can cause your AC to freeze. 

Fortunately, this issue is easy to fix. Check your manufacturer’s directions on changing and cleaning the air filter. While each filter has different specifications, you’ll generally need to replace your filter every 30 to 90 days.

Low Refrigerant Levels 

Low refrigerant levels can occur with older air conditioning units. This problem can also happen if your AC is leaking refrigerant. Because refrigerant is hazardous to human health, it’s important to get emergency AC repair to fix any refrigerant leaks. 

Poor Airflow 

Poor airflow may be caused by a dirty air filter, but it can also be due to another problem as well. If the airflow isn’t high enough, your AC can’t prevent moisture from building up and freezing. Other than filter-related issues, you could also have a problem with your blower fan.

Dirty or Faulty Evaporator Coils 

If the evaporator coils aren’t working properly, your AC can freeze. One common reason why evaporator coils stop working effectively is because they get dirty from the AC filter. Dust and contaminants from a dirty filter can get onto the coils. 

Because of this, it is incredibly important to replace your AC filters in a timely manner. You should also schedule an AC tune-up and maintenance check at least once a year. During this AC maintenance check, the HVAC technician will lubricate parts, inspect for problems, and suggest any recommended repairs.

Overuse

Finally, an AC can freeze if the temperature is too cold or you’re trying to cool a large area. When the air conditioner is overused, it has to remain on for longer cycles. This increases the odds your AC will freeze. 

Ideally, you want to find an AC that is just the right size for your home. You should also avoid setting the temperature too low on the hottest days. Generally, it’s recommended to set your air conditioner no more than 20° lower than the day’s highest temperature.

Will a Frozen AC Fix Itself? 

The answer to this question is that it depends. No matter what the cause is, you first need to wait for your AC to thaw out. This can take up to 24 hours. Since the fins are sharp and fragile, do not attempt to break the ice off yourself.

Once the AC is unfrozen, you can avoid future problems by discovering and remedying the underlying cause. For example, you can set the temperature higher if the cause was overuse. You can also try cleaning the filter or finding out if your AC is properly sized for your home. If it isn’t, you can look into getting an AC replacement. 

While a frozen AC will thaw out on its own, most of the causes require some level of AC maintenance. This is especially true if your AC frequently freezes. 

What to Do When Your AC Freezes 

If your air conditioner freezes, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem. 

1. Turn off your air conditioner because continuing to use the AC will only worsen the situation. You can switch the AC to fan mode so that the airflow can help thaw the ice. 
2. Wait for the ice to thaw. Never try removing the ice yourself because doing so could hurt you or the air conditioner.
3. Clean up any water. Check the drain pan to make sure it isn’t full of water. If it is, drain it. 
4. Once the AC has thawed completely, check the air filter for dirt or dust. If it is necessary, replace the filter with a clean one. Blocked airflow is a major cause of frozen ACs, so it’s important to always have a clean filter. 
5. Try turning the AC on again. Set the temperature within 15 to 20 degrees of the maximum daily temperature to see if that helps. 

If you continue having issues with your air conditioner, the best air conditioning services offers can help. Sometimes, frozen ACs are caused by faulty evaporator coils, low refrigerant, and malfunctioning blower fans. All these issues need to be repaired by a professional. 

In the future, remember to schedule an AC tune-up each year. One of our HVAC technicians can help you prevent future AC repairs by maintaining, cleaning, and lubricating your air conditioning unit. 

Learn More About AC Repair in Fort Collins 

A frozen air conditioner can be due to several different causes. After waiting for your AC to thaw, you can troubleshoot issues to figure out the problem. If you know what the root cause is, you can determine if you need to arrange for the top air conditioner repair Fort Collins offers. 
To learn more about how we can help with frozen air conditioners, reach out to our team of heating and cooling experts today.