What Should I Do When My AC Unit Freezes Up?
If you see your outdoor AC unit has frozen up, it’s important to take care of the situation right away. Continuing to use your air conditioner can result in major damage. There are things you can do to prevent this from happening in the first place.
Thaw It Out
Turn off the power to your AC unit. You can do so either with the thermostat or in your electrical breaker box. Depending on the amount of ice, it can take anywhere from a few hours to over a day to thaw out. Don’t try to break up the ice with a sharp tool or a hammer, as you could easily break multiple parts.
Dry Your AC Unit
Once the ice has melted, it’s time to dry your AC unit. You can use towels to dry it, or just let it dry naturally. Turn your AC system back on and set the fan to “ON” on the thermostat. This will circulate air through your AC system and quickly dry the coils. Once everything is dry, use your AC as normal.
Change Your Air Filter
The cause of an AC unit freezing over is usually a lack of airflow. When your air filter is dirty, it inhibits the flow of air. You should change the air filter every one to three months. If you have pets or live in a poor air quality area, you’ll need to change the air filter more often.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
To prevent your AC unit from freezing over, schedule maintenance for it every year. The HVAC company will thoroughly inspect your system and make sure it’s ready to run properly all summer long.
Bryant’s Heating & Cooling in Fort Payne, AL, does AC maintenance. We’re accredited by the BBB and have an A+ rating, and we’re ready to handle any of your AC requirements.
Low Refrigerant Levels
If your AC system has low refrigerant levels, it can cause the AC unit to freeze up. As the refrigerant is in a closed system, the only way the refrigerant can be low is if there’s a leak. You’ll need to have an experienced technician find the leak, repair it, and then recharge the refrigerant.
Count on Bryant’s Heating & Cooling to repair, replace, and maintain your air conditioner and heater. Other services you can rely on us for include mini-splits, indoor air quality, and duct cleaning. Learn more about our services by giving our office a call today.
