Does the air coming from your supply registers abruptly seem hot? Check the indoor portion of your air conditioner. This part is located within your furnace or air handler, if you rely on a heat pump. If there’s water dripping onto the floor, there could be crystals on the evaporator coil. The AC coil inside the system could have frozen over. You’ll need to thaw it before it can cool your house again.
Here’s what to do. If you can’t get the coil back to normal, Peachtree Service Experts is here to help with air conditioning repair in Atlanta backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.*
Step 1: Set the Air Conditioning to Off and the Blower On
To get started—switch the thermostat from “cool” to “off.” This stops chilled refrigerant from moving to the outdoor compressor, which could damage it and result in an expensive repair.
After that, move the fan from “auto” to “on.” This creates heated airflow over the frozen coils to help them melt faster. Remember to set the cooling mode to “off” so the air conditioner doesn’t start a cooling cycle.
It can take under an hour or the better part of a day for the ice to thaw, depending on the extent of the buildup. While you’re waiting, watch the condensate pan below the AC unit. If the drain line is clogged, it could overflow as the ice melts, potentially creating water damage.
Step 2: Diagnose the Issue
Poor airflow is a leading cause for an AC to become frozen. Here’s how to figure out the issue:
- Check the filter. Inadequate airflow through a filthy filter could be the problem. Inspect and change the filter each month or once you see dust buildup.
- Open any shut supply vents. Your home’s supply registers should be open all the time. Shutting vents decreases airflow over the evaporator coil, which might cause it to freeze.
- Be on the lookout for obstructed return vents. These often don’t come with moveable louvers, but furniture, rugs or curtains can still obstruct them.
- Not enough refrigerant: While airflow restrictions are the most common suspect, your air conditioner could also be low on refrigerant. Depending on when it was replaced, it may have Freon®. Insufficient refrigerant calls for professional attention from a certified HVAC technician. H2: Step 3: Call an HVAC Pro at Peachtree Service Experts
If inadequate airflow doesn’t seem to be the problem, then another problem is causing your AC freeze. If this is what’s occurring, simply letting it melt won’t repair the issue. The evaporator coil is likely to freeze again unless you take care of the main cause. Call an HVAC specialist to address issues with your air conditioner, which might include:
- Refrigerant leak: AC units continuously use refrigerant, so it shouldn’t get used up. Insufficient refrigerant indicates a leak somewhere. Only a pro can find the leak, mend it, and recharge the air conditioner to the proper level.
- Grimy evaporator coil: If dirt collects on the coil, air can’t flow over it, and it’s apt to freeze.
- Malfunctioning blower: A defective motor or unbalanced fan may halt airflow over the evaporator coil.
If your AC freezes up, call on the ACE-certified specialists at Peachtree Service Experts to take care of the issue. We have lots of experience helping homeowners troubleshoot their air conditioners, and we’re confident we can get things running again quickly. Contact us at 678-235-9699 to schedule air conditioning repair in Atlanta with us right away.
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