If you have never walked outside in the middle of summer and found a block of ice on top of your air conditioning system, the idea of that ever happening might sound impossible. In fact, it is not uncommon to find ice on an air conditioning system, even when the temperatures outside are soaring. Finding a block of ice on your system is symptomatic of a larger problem, and the following strategies and tips may be helpful when troubleshooting a frozen air conditioning system.
 
Identify the Root of the Problem 
 
The first step is to figure out what is going on with the system. There are two main causes of a frozen air conditioning system. If the system is not getting the proper airflow, the evaporator coil will be unable to receive the hot air from inside the house. In this situation, cold air is still being produced and the result is that the air conditioning system ends up getting so cold that it freezes up. When this occurs, a clogged air filter could be to blame, which is good news because changing the filter can solve the problem.
 
If changing the filter doesn’t solve the problem, then it’s likely that your air conditioning system has a refrigerant leak. Fixing a refrigerant leak will require a visit from a professional service provider such as O’Brien Service Company.
 
What to do with a Frozen Air Conditioning System
 
When there is ice on an air conditioning system, the first thing to do is to turn the system off. Leave the fan running, however, because it will help to defrost the system more quickly. Never try to defrost a system by cranking up the heat, as this could cause other problems. The next step is to check the filters. If the filter is extremely dirty, replace it and let the system thaw out. It should be good to go within a few hours.
 
If a dirty filter is not the culprit, then it’s time to call a professional. A qualified professional will be able to locate any leaks in the system and provide options for resolving the problem.
 
Being able to identify what is causing an air conditioning system to freeze up will save you a significant amount of time and money over the long-term.
 
One of the takeaways from this article is that there is no need to panic. In the course of helping individuals and businesses with their heating and air conditioning needs, we see AC systems freeze up nearly every day. If following the tips in this article doesn’t solve the problem, contact O’Brien Service Company.
 
Of course, the best strategy for preventing problems with your air conditioning system is to have it serviced once a year. If you have any questions or want to schedule a checkup for your air conditioning system, please contact our office. For other AC system problems and causes, visit Trane’s website for troubleshooting tips.
 
O’Brien Service Company is a certified Trane Comfort Specialist and works on both residential and commercial systems. The company’s highly trained and versatile technicians can expertly handle complex repairs and installations, and provide advice on the benefits of regular maintenance. To arrange a free at-home consultation, call 910.799.6611, or visit the company’s website at www.obrienservice.com.