How to Fix a Frozen AC Unit

Whether it’s the height of summer or the middle of winter, an unexpected freeze in an air conditioning unit can be a huge inconvenience. A/C units work best when they’re running normally and they can freeze due to a few common issues – but thankfully, they’re not entirely beyond repair.

Cleaning the A/C Unit

The first thing to do if your A/C unit has frozen is to check the external components for dirt, dust and debris. Many times the unit will freeze when it’s clogged with pollen, leaves, and other buildup from outside. This can prevent cool air from circulating and make the unit run too hot, which then triggers a freeze.

Using a garden hose with a pressure nozzle, you can clean the external parts of the unit, including the blades and the vents, to wash away any debris that was keeping the airflow from circulating properly. Once finished, restart the unit and allow it to run for a few minutes to test the function.

Check the Air Filters

If cleaning the exterior of the unit doesn’t solve the problem, the next step is to access the air filters on the AC unit. Swapping old air filters out for new ones can often solve the freezing problem and get your unit running like new again. Old and clogged filters can cause the unit to struggle and draw too much energy out, cooling the unit’s interior temperature to freezing.

The air filters for your unit can usually be found on the inner frame or the external sides of the unit, depending on the make and model of your A/C system – but you can always consult the unit’s manual or call a professional to help find the right filters for you.

Keep the Unit in Good Working Order

To keep your AC unit in good working order and prevent future freezes, preemptive maintenance is recommended. Regularly cleaning the unit’s exterior and swapping out air filters can ensure that your unit runs efficiently and doesn’t get clogged up with dust and debris.

Keeping the area around the A/C unit clear can also help keep it running and prevent dirt and leaves from clogging up the blades and vents and triggering a freeze. Monitoring the refrigerant levels of your unit is also an essential step in extending its life expectancy.

Unfortunately, no matter how well you take care of your A/C unit, you may experience a freeze at some point. If cleaning and maintaining the unit doesn’t work, it’s time to call in a qualified technician for further inspections and repairs.

Call a Technician

Having a trained specialist take a look at your unit can pinpoint the exact cause of the freeze and get your A/C unit kicking in time for summer. Not only will a professional provide quality repairs on the spot, but they can perform preventative maintenance to ensure that your A/C unit matchs works properly in the future.

If you’ve noticed your A/C unit has frozen recently, the best choice is to call in a qualified technician right away. Local Reliable Appliance Repair are experts when it comes to releasing a stuck Frozen AC unit, with specialists available 24/7 and same day service throughout California.

Schedule a call today and get the reliable and fast service you need when your A/C unit freezes. Just call (866) 311-8590 and the team of professionals at Local Reliable Appliance Repair will make sure you have your AC running smoothly and efficiently in no time.

Frozen AC Unit: Manufacturer and Technician Recommendations for Preventive Action

When a home’s air conditioning (AC) unit is running more slowly than usual or public areas inside become unbearably hot, many people suspect their AC unit has frozen up. A Frozen AC unit is not only an uncomfortable situation but a potentially serious issue that can cause even bigger problems if not remedied promptly. To prevent this issue from arising in the first place, both AC and HVAC technicians, as well as manufacturers offer a number of tips and avoidance strategies.

Check the Status of the Unit

The first recommended step to avoid a frozen AC unit is to regularly check on the condition of the unit itself. Manufacturers recommend taking a few minutes before and after using the AC unit to:

• Ensure the intake or return vents are not blocked.
• Check the thermostat settings have been properly adjusted.
• Listen in or feel around the unit for strange noises or unusually warm air around it.

Clean Regularly

Regularly cleaning the unit itself is also advised. Both manufacturers and technicians recommend every few months vacuuming off the top and all sides to prevent dirt and dust from settling on the coils and fan of the unit. This is especially important in areas that experience significant seasonal changes, as pollutants and allergens from the environment may be more readily gathered by the unit.

Replace Parts or Replace the Unit

If any parts begin to look or feel worn out or have been in use for a particularly long time, replacing them as soon as possible is recommended. This is especially important for air filters, as these require regular changing in order to maintain efficiency. In some cases, however, possibly due to the age of the unit or a lack of the necessary resources to repair it, replacing the unit may be the best and safest solution.

Call Professional Assistance

Finally, if any of these tips do not seem to resolve the issue, contacting a professional technician is advised. Although some DIY enthusiasts may decide to take matters into their own hands, a professional will be better equipped to provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources to remedy the issue and help keep it from arising again.

In the heat of the summer, a frozen AC unit can be an inconvenience and even a hazard if not properly taken care of. Both manufacturers and technicians provide numerous recommendations to help prevent this issue from arising in the first place. Regularly checking on the condition of the unit, cleaning it regularly, replacing parts or replacing the unit itself, as well as calling in a professional technician if these steps do not seem to help are all recommended to maintain a healthy and efficient air conditioning system.

Average Repair Cost for Frozen AC Unit

Many factors can affect the cost to repair a frozen AC unit, including location, parts, and labor. Here we’ll offer the minimum repair and complex repair cost for a frozen AC unit in California.

• Minimum repair cost: Repairing a frozen AC unit can cost as little as $80 to $400. This would include unclogging the condensate line, clearing the evaporator coil fins, and making sure there are no blockages or dirty spots preventing proper airflow.

• Complex repair cost: Complex repairs to a frozen AC unit can cost anywhere from $500 to $750. This could include replacing the entire air conditioner, cleaning the ductwork, repairing electrical components, adding new parts, and more.

In either case, the repair cost will factor in the cost of materials and miscellaneous equipment needed for the job. Homeowners can also expect to pay for diagnostics, labor, and other extra charges.

For reliable AC repair services, homeowners can contact Local Reliable Air Conditioning & Heating at (866) 311-8590.

Expert Services for Frozen AC Unit Issues

If your AC unit seems frozen and you’re not sure what to do, contact the professionals at Reliable Air Conditioning & Heating for help.

Reliable Air Conditioning & Heating is a family-owned and operated California-based business specializing in appliance and HVAC repair and installation. With a team of highly trained technicians with an average of 5 years of experience in the field, you can trust Reliable to quickly diagnose and repair any issues your AC unit is having.

Reliable Air Conditioning & Heating takes pride in their work, offering same-day service at a fair and affordable rate. Their services are licensed and insured, with a 90-day warranty on all repairs. This ensures you get quick and reliable service and can trust their technicians to stand behind their work.

When it comes to frozen AC units, trust Reliable Air Conditioning & Heating to quickly diagnose and identify the root cause and have it up and running again in no time. Don’t take the risk with an inexperienced technician or a low-cost option – let the professionals at Reliable Air Conditioning & Heating give you peace of mind and assurance that the job will be done right.

FAQ: How to Fix a Frozen AC Unit

Q: What causes an AC unit to freeze?

A: A Frozen AC unit is typically caused by low airflow, which reduces the temperature of the evaporator coil below freezing. This can happen due to accumulations of dirt and debris on the evaporator coil, a restricted condensate drainage line, a faulty fan motor, or a malfunctioning blower motor.

Q: How do I know if my AC unit is frozen?

A: Check to see if ice is forming on the indoor evaporator coil and/or components in the air handler. You may also notice decreased airflow from the register. Additionally, check to see if the condensate line is overflowing.

Q: How do I thaw a frozen AC unit?

A: The first step is to turn off the AC unit. Next, locate the cause of the blockage in the system, such as clogged filters or blocked drains. Unclog any obstructions and turn the air back on. Monitor the AC to make sure it is circulating air properly. If the AC unit is still not working, you may need to replace the air filter to ensure proper airflow.

Q: What should I do if I am unable to thaw the AC unit myself?

A: If you are unable to thaw the AC unit yourself, it is recommended that you contact a local reliable appliance repair company for assistance.

Advice

If you find yourself unable to thaw or repair a frozen AC unit, contact a Local Reliable Appliance Repair at (866) 311-8590 for assistance.