Your HVAC unit is critical to your ability to enjoy your home. Whether you are facing cold winters or hot summer days, your system is there to keep your family comfortable.
Sometimes while our units are doing their job, they can become frozen and stop working properly. Freeze-ups are a common problem with HVAC systems, and there are many different reasons why they happen. One potential cause is an air leak that causes the system to lose its coolant. Another possible cause is a clogged filter, leading to inefficient cooling and eventually a system freeze-up if the clog isn’t fixed quickly. The thermostat setting can also factor in what causes a system freeze-up.
When your system freezes up, it is vital to defrost it promptly. If your unit is not defrosted quickly, it can lead to costly repairs that are equal to or more expensive than a new unit. Here you will learn how to defrost your HVAC unit when it is frozen.
How To Know When Your HVAC Unit Is Frozen
- Your unit cannot reach the temperature you have set on your thermostat
- Your unit is releasing warm air when it is supposed to be cold
- You are noticing higher-than-normal electric bills
- You notice water leaks around your HVAC unit
- You hear strange noises coming from your unit
- You notice a layer of ice around the coils or outside of your unit
Here’s how to defrost your unit when it becomes frozen:
Let Your Unit Thaw
To defrost your HVAC unit, you want to begin by turning off your thermostat and turning your fan on. Let the fan run over the next few hours to allow your unit to defrost.
After the unit is no longer visually frozen, you can try turning on the cool air to see if it is cooler than the temperature in your house. If it is, then your unit has likely been defrosted.
Clean or Change Your Filter
When your air filter becomes dirty, it can cause a buildup that causes your unit’s performance to suffer and can lead to freezing.
After allowing your system to defrost, you will want to clean or change your air filter. You can get to it by removing the cover on your return air duct and pulling out the filter. You can clean it with water from your hose or sink. Make sure it is completely dry before putting it back in your unit. You can also replace it with a new air filter which is recommended. We recommend changing your air filter every 90 days to keep your system running optimally.
Check The Condensate Pan And Drain
See if your unit’s condensate pan is properly draining fluids. If you see puddles underneath your HVAC unit, you know that it is not draining properly, leading to excess water, which can lead to additional damage.
Also, be sure to check your condensate drain. You should notice water dripping on it and then being drained via a PVC pipe. If you notice sediments or dirt in the water, it can cause overflows and water damage.
If this is the case, you can contact our team of professionals, and we can help you fix the issue to keep your unit running properly.
When your HVAC unit becomes frozen, it doesn’t have to mean costly repairs. You can take many steps to save your unit and keep it running correctly. At A/C Masters, we can help you defrost your unit or check if there are additional causes preventing your unit from working optimally. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.