Has ice taken over your air conditioning unit? This could be a sign that your system needs regular maintenance and servicing or that there is a larger problem. Here are three steps to take to properly defrost your system and help you determine the next steps.
Step 1: Defrost your air conditioning unit
The first thing you should do when your air conditioning unit freezes is to turn your air conditioning unit off. The indoor unit will need to naturally defrost first. Depending on how much ice has accumulated, the process can take a few hours. While your first reaction may be to turn the A/C switch over to “heat” to expedite the thawing process, consider this: what happens when you place an ice cube outside under the sun? The ice cube melts quickly. The same can happen to your unit, but in this scenario, the ice will melt and leak out onto your floors. Additionally, the water could damage the electronics in your unit, causing extensive damage to your overall system. Instead of heat, turn your unit’s fan to the “on” position on the thermostat, which can help further along the thawing process.
Step 2: Check your air filter
If your air filter appears dirty or has any visible obstructions, this could be the culprit. Replace the dirty filter with a new one, and proceed to step 3.
Step 3: Check your air flow
Once your indoor coil has fully thawed and your filter has been replaced, turn your unit back on. If your unit is working properly and the air filter was the culprit, your unit should begin working as normal. If you notice your A/C unit does not begin to work normally, be vigilant about two things:
If Your Fan Is Running
If you notice your fan running, your unit is experiencing either a refrigerant issue or your indoor coil is dirty. In either of these instances, you should call a certified air conditioning technician to service your unit.
If Your Fan Isn’t Running
If the fan is not running when you turn everything back on, this may be the offender. When a unit suffers from a lack of air movement, the unit gets colder and colder, causing the condensation on the indoor coil to freeze. If you experience a faulty fan, contact your air conditioning technician to service your unit.
Expert tip: If your unit persistently freezes over, do not keep running it and thawing it. Repeating this process can negatively impact your air conditioning unit, causing major damage beyond the point of repair. If you experience continuous freezing over a short period of time, this is an indicator that your air conditioning unit needs to be repaired.
If your air conditioning unit is freezing, contact North East Air Conditioning. Our team of experienced technicians provide quick, effective solutions and repairs for your A/C unit.
