We may live in Florida, but that doesn’t mean that your air conditioning system can’t freeze up. If you’re currently dealing with a frozen air handler, it’s important to know what caused this part of your system to freeze over so you can remedy the situation.
Fortunately, a frozen air handler is often an easy and inexpensive fix for Florida homeowners. Read on to learn why this happens and what you can do about it.
What Causes an Air Handler to Freeze Up?
Air handlers freeze for a variety of reasons. Here are the most common culprits:
1. Clogged Air Filters
The air filter within your air conditioning system has a big job. This small component filters debris from within your air conditioning system before it can be dispersed throughout your home. However, air filters accumulate debris quickly and require regular replacement.
Waiting too long to replace your air filter reduces airflow from your air conditioner, which can cause your air handler to freeze.
Is Your Air Handler Frozen?
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2. Dirty Evaporator Coils
The evaporator coils in your air conditioning system remove excess moisture, keeping your home dry indoors. Just like the air filter, the evaporator coils can become clogged with debris. This can impede airflow, potentially causing your air handler to freeze over.
3. Refrigerant Leak
Refrigerant is required to keep your home cool and comfortable, but if there is a refrigerant leak in your system, your air conditioner will have difficulty reaching the desired temperature.
Sometimes, the lines that carry refrigerant can leak due to age or damage, causing issues. Not only can this cause your air handler to freeze, but a leak can expose you and your family to the harmful effects of refrigerant.
If you ever suspect a refrigerant leak, call your local HVAC technicians.
How to Stop Your AC From Freezing Up
If your air conditioner has stopped working due to a frozen air handler, you might be able to address the issue yourself before calling an HVAC professional for help.
First, you’ll need to let your air conditioning system thaw. Turn off your air conditioning system at the electrical breaker and allow the system to rest until the ice has completely thawed. This may take up to a full day.
If you’d rather not wait for the ice to thaw by itself, you can turn your air conditioning system off but turn the blower fan on.
Running your air conditioning system while the air handler is frozen can strain the compressor and damage your system, so be sure to keep it off. Never attempt to remove the ice by hand, as this can damage the system.
Once the ice has completely thawed, carefully dry the coils. If the blower isn’t turned on, restore power to your system and set the thermostat to power the blower or fan only. After drying the coils, your system may operate normally, but monitor for any ice formation.
How to Prevent AC From Freezing
No one wants to deal with a frozen air handler, but with a few simple steps, you can keep your air conditioning system running efficiently, reduce the risk of your air handler freezing over, and save energy. Here’s what you can do:
- Clean or change the air filter regularly (we recommend once per month)
- Clean the evaporator coils regularly or schedule a professional cleaning once a year
- Check the refrigerant levels regularly
- Schedule professional tune-ups with your local HVAC company
Call Complete Air Mechanical for AC Repair Service in Longwood, FL
If your air handler is frozen and you’d rather leave it to the professionals, Complete Air Mechanical can help. We offer emergency air conditioning repairs and can get your air conditioning running efficiently and fast.
Call us today at (407) 915-0144 or schedule an appointment online.