As summer temperatures begin to soar in Plainfield, IN, air conditioning units become a much-needed commodity for most households. However, if your AC suddenly stops working and you notice that it’s covered in ice, don’t panic! This is a more common issue than you might think and can be resolved with the proper skills. Our experts at Bassett Services are here to help with professional advice. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the problem of a frozen air conditioner, list the possible causes, and give quality guidance on how to resolve the issue.
The Problem of a Frozen Air Conditioner
A frozen air conditioner is a typical problem that most homeowners face, especially when the temperature rises. This happens when the evaporator coil, which removes heat and humidity from the air, becomes too cold and freezes over. When this happens, airflow to the AC unit is restricted, causing the system to work harder and consume more energy. Additionally, a frozen air conditioner can cause your unit to stop working altogether, leading to discomfort for your family and potential damage to your home.
Restricted Airflow
The most common cause of a frozen air conditioner is restricted airflow. Restricted airflow occurs when the air passing over the evaporator coil is not sufficient, causing it to freeze. Some of the most common causes of restricted airflow include dirty air filters, blocked ductwork, closed or obstructed vents, and a malfunctioning blower fan. A dirty air filter can restrict the flow of air, causing the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze. If the ductwork is blocked or there is an obstruction in the vent, the airflow will be reduced, leading to a frozen AC unit. When the weather is hot, and you crank up your air conditioner to compensate, your AC needs plenty of airflow through it to prevent condensation from building up on the air conditioner coils.
Refrigerant Leak
Another common cause of a frozen air conditioner is a refrigerant leak. When there is a leak in the refrigerant line, the level of refrigerant in your AC can drop, causing the evaporator coil to freeze over. Other signs of a refrigerant leak include hissing sounds, reduced cooling performance, and higher energy bills. If you suspect your AC unit has a refrigerant leak, it’s important to recognize the severity of this problem and contact a professional HVAC company like Bassett Services in Plainfield, IN, to fix the issue promptly. Many times, it is better to replace a leaking air conditioner if it’s nearing the end of its life, especially if it still uses R-22 refrigerant. If you have our HVAC professionals come out to take a look at your unit, talk to them about whether repair or replacement would be the better option for you.
Lack of Regular Maintenance
A lack of regular maintenance can also cause a frozen air conditioner. Regular maintenance is essential to keep your AC unit running efficiently and effectively. During routine maintenance, a professional technician will check the AC unit’s components, including the evaporator coil, to make sure everything is working correctly. If the evaporator coil is dirty, the technician will clean it, ensuring that there is no restriction in airflow, which could lead to a frozen AC unit. It is always best to invest in regular preventative maintenance for your appliances so you can avoid having to pay more for repairs or replacements.
Defrosting—A Solution Homeowners Can Try
If you notice your AC unit is frozen, turn off the unit immediately to prevent any further damage. The first step in defrosting your AC unit is to remove any ice that has accumulated on the unit. This can be done by using a hairdryer or warm towels to melt the ice. Once the ice has melted, turn on the fan to circulate air through the unit and help defrost any remaining ice. These steps are simple tasks any homeowner can carry out, but if you’d rather have a professional HVAC technician inspect your unit and handle any additional steps to fix your unit, you know who to call. (The number for Bassett Services is (317) 360-0054.)
How to Resolve the Issue
If you have a frozen air conditioner, there are a few steps you can take to resolve the issue. First, turn off the AC unit to prevent any further damage. Next, check the air filter to see if it’s dirty and replace it if necessary. Then, check the vents to ensure they’re not obstructed and that the airflow is not restricted. If the issue persists, it’s important to consult with a professional HVAC company like Bassett Services in Plainfield, IN.
Professional technicians will inspect the unit thoroughly to identify the cause of the frozen AC unit. They will then recommend a solution to the problem, which could include cleaning the evaporator coil, repairing a refrigerant leak, or replacing a faulty component. For these quality services and many more, contact Bassett Services today!
