Dealing with a frozen air conditioner can be quite frustrating, overwhelming, and altogether uncomfortable. You may be left scratching your head, wondering how this happened. We don’t blame you if so! There are several reasons why this might happen. At Middletown Heating & Cooling, our experts are ready to explain the common causes and provide solutions for troubleshooting a frozen air conditioning unit. 

Step 1: Stay Calm 

Let’s start by staying calm. We know you want to keep your family cool, but it’s important to stay calm and breathe. Rest assured; everything is manageable. Plus, your trusted Middletown Heating & Cooling family is here to help and provide relief if needed. Let’s tackle and solve this issue together. 

Step 2: Begin Troubleshooting  

• Airflow: Reduced airflow can cause your AC unit to freeze if the airflow is insufficient. This means that clogged air filters or closed or obstructed vents can lead to a buildup of cool air, causing the refrigerant to freeze on the coils and resulting in less airflow.  

Troubleshoot: Typically, you should check and replace your air filters every 1-3 months. As you begin the troubleshooting process, you should double-check to make sure your air filters are currently clean. Additionally, make sure all HVAC vents are open and free from obstructions that could potentially restrict airflow. 

• Thermostat Settings: Your thermostat’s temperature might be set too low. If your home’s temperature is too low, it can overwork your air conditioner, causing it to freeze up. 

Troubleshoot: Simply adjust the thermostat to a higher setting and see if this resolves the issue. If you typically prefer a pretty chill temps setting, installing a smart thermostat can also help regulate and fine-tune your home’s temperature, reducing nonstop strain on your air conditioner. With a smart thermostat, you can program your temperature preferences to coincide for when you are or aren’t at home, which reduces the unnecessary strain of your AC working to provide low temperature ‘round the clock. 

• Refrigerant: Low levels of refrigerant or leaking refrigerant can cause your AC to freeze. If the coolant isn’t properly balanced, it could lower the evaporator’s temperature too much, leading to ice buildup. 

Troubleshoot: Refrigerant issues should always be left to the professionals. Licensed HVAC technicians have the right tools to safely check and adjust your AC’s refrigerant levels. So, if you think there’s a refrigerant problem, please feel free to contact us right away. 

You should recognize the signs of low or leaking refrigerant issues: 

1. Bubbling or hissing sounds when the AC is off 

2. Insufficient cool air from the AC 

3. Ice on the refrigerant lines 

Step 3: Call a Professional 

If the problem is still not identified or resolved, or if there’s a refrigerant issue, it’s time to call a licensed HVAC professional. Ignoring this can put stress on your air conditioner and cause preventable damage.  

Step 4: Defrost the AC 

Your unit must be thawed before it can start working again. This is necessary even if you’re waiting for a professional to come and diagnose the issue, as a frozen unit is next to impossible to diagnose and manage.   

For a safe defrosting process:  

1. Turn off your air conditioner at the thermostat. 

2. Set your fan to ‘on’ instead of ‘auto’ to start thawing. 

3. Keep an eye on the melting ice to prevent water damage nearby. 

4. Be patient; thawing can take anywhere from a few hours to a whole day, depending on the amount of ice. 

Call Middletown Heating & Cooling today at (513) 268-3789 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!