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Unfortunately, defrosting your air conditioner requires a little patience; however, there are ways you can speed up the melting process. One way to thaw the A/C quicker is to use a blow dryer on the evaporator coil. You can also turn on the air conditioner fan without running the compressor so the ice melts faster.
These systems pull moisture and heat from the air and drain the moisture while returning the heat to your rooms. They’re suitable for cold, damp climates when you want less clammy and humid air in your house. In other words, these units dry the air in your home without cooling it. If the evaporator unit gets clogged or blocked, the fan won’t function either.
Which Breaker Controls HVAC
A low refrigerant problem can only be solved by a qualified HVAC technician as additional refrigerant will have to be added to the system. At HVAC.com, our writers create solutions that put you in control of your HVAC system. Our product reviews and recommendations are researched and backed by real buyers and industry experts, not dictated by our partners. Larry Campbell is an electrical contractor with 36 years of experience in residential and light commercial electrical wiring. He worked as an electronic technician and later an engineer for the IBM Corp. is a member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board.
A good rule to remember is when the outdoor air temperatures dip, you should turn your air conditioner off. Icing can occur if you’re running your outdoor AC on cooler nights. A special ambient temperature control installed can help prevent your unit from running in cooler weather. Having a programmable thermostat can automatically get ahead of the problem by shutting down the AC when temperatures get below 60 degrees. If you don’t have a programmable thermometer, keep an eye out on the current temperatures each night and anticipate if it’s going to be colder than 60 degrees. In which case, you should turn off your AC and open your windows to let in the cool summer breeze instead.
My Air Conditioner is Frozen! What Caused This to Happen?
Frost can accumulate and create thick layers of ice on the coils. It may be as simple as too many closed vents or cool summer nights, but AC coils freezing up could also be a symptom of a more significant mechanical issue. Below are possible causes to consider when you have ice on your air conditioner. If your air filter is dirty and becomes clogged, airflow is restricted which disrupts your air conditioner’s functionality and increases the risk of an air conditioner freeze-up. Thankfully, air filters are inexpensive and keep your air conditioner running at peak performance, saving you money on your electricity bill.
Instead, the temperature may linger just above the level that would cause the AC to automatically shut off. Because the coil stays continually cool, condensed moisture eventually begins an ice buildup. An air conditioner works with a closed loop of coils filled with refrigerant gas that first is expanded to cool down so it can absorb indoor heat. Then, it's pumped outdoors and compressed so that its heat is radiated outdoors. This circular movement of refrigerant from expansion coils to condensing coils continues constantly while the appliance is running.
Clear the evaporator coils
While you may think something like this during the hottest days of the year is impossible, an air conditioning unit freezing in the summertime is something that happens frequently. So, how can you prevent something in the cooling equation from going terribly wrong? By understanding these causes, you can get out in front of them so you never have to experience an AC freeze.
Circumstances beyond mechanical issues or airflow blockages can lead to an AC unit freezing. Freezing issues can be avoided or limited by taking a few steps and being mindful of how the system handles temperature extremes. Cool weather can interfere with an AC unit’s operation since it’s calibrated to perform best in a specific temperature range. It’s best to turn off the AC if there are 60 degrees and below outdoor temperatures.
This process can vary depending on the type of thermostat you have. Once the blowers start working, your evaporator coils should dry out completely in around 5-15 minutes. Once the coils are dried up, your AC should work normally and cool indoors. If you have moisture in the surrounding air, matters only get worse. When high humidity is present, it won’t take long for the cold air to settle and form into ice. This ice will stick to your AC’s coils and insulate them, leaving no chance for any warm air to touch the coils.
Air conditioners tend to dehumidify the air, and that moisture builds up on the condenser coils. When the water builds up on clean coils, it evaporates or falls into the drip pan. If the coils are dirty, that layer of dirt and dust holds onto the water causing a freeze. Bi-annual checkups from your local HVAC professional can keep your AC’s coils clean. For places like Denver where the Spring and Fall seasons bring warm days and cool nights, it’s not uncommon to have an AC freeze-up when your home is a lot warmer than the temperature outside. Air conditioners are designed to function in a specific temperature range.
When you purchase filters, buy several at once so that you usually have extras on hand and can make the swap when you’re thinking about it. Lack of airflow, dust on the coils, low on refrigerant, damaged blower, dirty air filters, thermostat issues, drainage to name a few. The first red flag signaling that your air conditioner has ice buildup may be that your system isn't reaching the desired thermostat setting. You may notice this more quickly in an upstairs area of your home.
From the thermostat panel, switch the AC from “cooling” or “auto” to fan mode. Setting your AC in fan mode will help the system receive warm air to help the frozen AC line or coil defrost. The main reason an air conditioner freezes is because of poor air flow. Hot airflow is drawn to warm refrigerant gas, which expands and cools.
If you notice ice building up on your AC unit, contact an HVAC professional from Hansen Air Pros immediately. Our highly qualified team of technicians will restore your home’s comfort by solving the freezing issue. From one-time fixes to regular maintenance packages, our company is the solution to any AC-related issue you may have. Obstructed airflow can keep the coils from properly cooling and lead to a frozen AC unit. Similar to a clogged filter, blocked vent returns and registers prevent adequate airflow to and from the system. This causes your system to work harder without a way to release the cooled or heated air.
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