A frozen air conditioner is very frustrating for property owners in Highlands Ranch and the surrounding area. A cooling system impacted by ice or frost buildup cannot perform correctly and leads directly to increased utility bills and potentially expensive repairs or replacements.
Read on below for some tips on how to unfreeze an air conditioner from the top-rated air conditioning service in Highlands Ranch, CO, Parker Heating & Air.
While many of the underlying problems leading to frozen cooling systems must be addressed by a qualified HVAC technician, these are some initial steps you can take for thawing a frozen AC unit to mitigate damage and determine if the symptoms return.
What To Do When Your Air Conditioner Freezes
The following steps are things you can do to protect your air conditioner from excessive damage and to help an HVAC professional assess the root causes of the malfunction.
These steps are basic maintenance steps you can undertake — but a licensed technician should always perform actual repair work to protect your property and your safety.
As you perform these steps, take note of the results so that you can provide that information to a technician to assist in properly diagnosing system issues.
Turn Off Your Air Conditioner
When you notice ice or frost buildup on the coils of the outside unit, the first essential step in air conditioner defrosting is to completely shut the system off at the thermostat. Shutting off the power supply stops the unit from cycling and running to prevent further damage while giving the ice time to melt away.
Switch to Fan Mode
After the ice and frost have melted away, which can take several hours, switch the thermostat to “fan only” mode. This means that the system fan will circulate air without operating the compressor or other cooling components.
Restoring airflow in frozen AC units can circulate warm air through the defrosted coils, helping to ensure the complete thawing of potentially unseen frost and frozen parts.
Check the Air Filter
Every air conditioning system depends on unrestricted airflow to operate correctly. While the system is off, check and replace the air filter. This regular maintenance is the key step in thinking about how to unfreeze an air conditioner.
Clogged or dirty air filters are a common cause of freezing. In some cases, replacing the air filter is sufficient to restore sufficient airflow to help with unfreezing HVAC coils and prevent refreezing.
Inspect the Vents and Airflow
Blocked vents can restrict airflow and cause freezing. Inspect every vent in the house to make sure they are fully open and are not blocked by furniture, drapes, or anything else. Unrestricted airflow both into and out of your cooling system helps prevent the system stress that can lead to freezing up.
Check the Condensate Pan and Drain Line
A clogged condensate drain line can cause water to back up and freeze around the unit. Also, take a look at the condensate pan for standing water and make sure it is draining properly.
Restart Your Air Conditioner
After completing these steps for AC unit de-icing, switch your thermostat to cooling mode and set the thermostat to the desired indoor temperature. Closely monitor the system and if it refreezes, turn it off again and call in a professional HVAC technician.
When To Call a Professional in Highlands Ranch, CO
Some of these steps are useful in advising you about how to unfreeze an air conditioner. However, persistent problems indicate deeper root causes of the malfunction.
Problems like refrigerant leaks, malfunctioning compressors, electrical system faults, or problems with coils and refrigerant lines are all things that require professional attention.
There are significant safety hazards involved in air conditioner maintenance and improper cleaning or repair attempts often cause more damage than they can remedy.
A professional assessment can provide you with the information necessary to decide whether to request repair service or install new components or an upgraded unit.
Choose Parker Heating & Air for Complete Air Conditioning Service in Highlands Ranch
Parker Heating & Air has proudly served the Highlands Ranch, CO, community since 2002. We are proud of our team of highly skilled and courteous technicians who provide complete indoor comfort services, from repairs to air conditioner maintenance and comprehensive heating services.
After reading the information above about how to unfreeze an air conditioner, consider our commitment to complete customer service when you select a company to assist with air conditioning repairs and maintenance.
Call Parker Heating & Air today to schedule expert air conditioning services in Highlands Ranch, CO, and around the region.