It seems counterintuitive that your air conditioner could freeze when it’s 90 degrees or hotter on a hot summer day in Southwest Georgia, but it happens to homeowners all the time! There are plenty of reasons that your AC could freeze, and all of them are frustrating. Keep reading below to find out why you have a frozen air conditioner and what you should do if this happens to you.
If your AC is frozen and you need repair services right away, call Harrell King today at 229-243-8040 to schedule an appointment! We offer emergency 24-hour repairs so you’ll never be stuck without cool air!
Common Reasons Air Conditioners Freeze
Refrigerant Problems
An undercharged refrigerant system means the levels are too low. This can happen due to improper charging at installation or because a leak has developed. Either way, low refrigerant is not good for the evaporator coil, which becomes too cold when the pressure drops below normal. This allows moisture in the air around the evaporator coil to freeze and accumulate there.
Clogged Air Filter
This is a primary cause of low airflow, which results in less air being delivered to the evaporator coil for cooling. It’s important to keep enough hot air moving over the evaporator coil so it doesn’t freeze.
Closed or Blocked Return Registers
You may be tempted to shut the registers in unused rooms of your home, but if you shut more than one-fourth of the home’s supply registers, you could unintentionally restrict airflow and cause the AC to freeze. Rugs and furniture can also block registers and impair airflow.
Inadequate Fan Speed
The blower motor must operate on a high enough level that it sends air at the right speed over the evaporator coil. A too-low speed could result in insufficient airflow, and then you have a frozen AC on your hands.
Issues With the Thermostat
The air conditioner could be running all night without your knowledge. This not only wastes energy, but since the air isn’t very hot, the constant operation with a mild air temperature could cause the unit to freeze.
Drainage Problems
One of the jobs of the evaporator coil is to remove excess moisture from the air. Normally, moisture collects on the coils, drips into a condensate pan, and drains to the outside. If there’s a clogged drain, backed-up water can freeze all the way up to the evaporator coil. The ice then further blocks the drain and exacerbates the drainage problem.
What To Do if Your AC Freezes
- Shut off the air conditioner to prevent risking damage to the compressor and wasting money.
- Locate the condensate drain and make sure it isn’t backed up.
- Speed up the thawing process by using a blow dryer on the evaporator coil. It’s also effective to run the AC fan without the compressor.
- Consider opening up the ductwork to suction out water with a wet-dry shop vac as the ice melts.
- Turn the AC back on only once the ice has melted and the condensate drain pan is clearly draining properly. The unit should begin cooling your home immediately.
Frozen AC in Southwest Georgia? Call Harrell King!
It’s good to know why you’re having problems with a frozen air conditioner, but it’s always best to call a professional HVAC technician when you need repairs. Sometimes, trying to “do-it-yourself” could result in more problems than you originally started with. Plus, doing your own repairs could void the manufacturer’s warranty on your system!
If you need AC repairs in Bainbridge, Thomasville, or elsewhere in Southwest Georgia, contact us online or call Harrell King at 229-243-8040!
Frozen AC FAQs
- Q: Why does my AC freeze at night?
- A: Cooler nighttime temperatures combined with restricted airflow can cause the evaporator coil to drop below freezing, leading to ice buildup.
- Q: How long does it take for a frozen AC to thaw?
- A: Depending on the severity of the freeze, it can take several hours for ice to melt completely. Running the fan only (no cooling) speeds up the process.
- Q: Can I run my AC while it’s frozen?
- A: No. Running a frozen system risks severe compressor damage. Always shut it off until the ice has melted and the system has been inspected.
- Q: Will low refrigerant always cause freezing?
- A: Low refrigerant is a common culprit, but dirty filters, blocked vents, and fan speed issues can also cause your AC to freeze.
Helpful Resources on AC Problems
Want to learn more about avoiding breakdowns and improving AC performance? Check out these related guides from our blog:
- 5 Tips To Minimize Strain on Your HVAC System This Summer
- Is Your Old Thermostat Costing You Money?
- 3 Big Ways To Improve Your Indoor Air Quality
Contact Harrell King Heating & Air today to schedule fast, reliable AC repair in Bainbridge, Thomasville, and throughout Southwest Georgia.
