Preparing for Your Big Day

Posted on: 3 January 2017

When you come home to a hot house, the first thing you do is check the air conditioner. You may be shocked to find it covered in ice. It doesn't seem logical that your house and the outdoor temperature can be so hot and your air conditioner is so cold it is covered in ice and frost. However, it's a fairly common problem. Here are some things you can do to fix it.

Turn Off The Air Conditioner

The first step is to turn off the AC. You'll have to stop the cooling function so all the ice melts. You probably want to do this before you call a contractor because the contractor won't be able to work on your unit until the ice is gone. Plus, you might be lucky and find out you can fix the problem yourself when the ice is out of the way. So, turn off the cool setting, but let the fan run to circulate air. It shouldn't take the air conditioner too long to thaw out in hot temperatures. Keep in mind the ice will melt into a big puddle, so you may want to put down towels and have a mop handy if the unit isn't outdoors and away from anything that could be damaged by water.

Check For Blockages

One reason ice forms is because airflow is low through the unit. This allows the refrigerant to get so cold that it freezes. Therefore, you want to check for blockages in the filter and vents. Pull out the filter and clean it or replace it. Note first if it is caked with dust. If the filter is fairly clean, it isn't the problem. If it has a thick layer of dust built up on it, then changing the filter may get your air conditioner operational again. Next, check the intake vents. These are the vents on the side of the unit that pull in air. These might be clogged with weeds, dirt, or bent fins. Clean the vents so nothing blocks airflow. You may also want to check the vents where chilled air normally blows out just to make sure they aren't closed or blocked. When the filter is clean and the vents are clear, air flow can circulate properly through the air conditioning system. Now you're ready to flip your air conditioner back on and see what happens. If ice forms again, it is time to call a service professional to identify the problem and make repairs.

Add Refrigerant

If reduced airflow is not the problem, the next likely culprit is low refrigerant. Refrigerant should be serviced by a professional. If it is low, there is probably a leak in the line that needs to be repaired. Repairs are done first and then more refrigerant is added. During this process, the contractor will assess the air conditioner to look for other problems that could be causing the air conditioner to malfunction. These aren't DIY repairs for safety reasons and because you might void the warranty on your air conditioner if you start tinkering around with the internal parts.

It's frustrating when your air conditioner goes out on a hot and humid day, but fortunately, you can usually get quick repairs done quickly. There's a good chance you will find a contractor to do the repairs the same day so you don't have to suffer in the heat longer than necessary. To prevent a catastrophe like this from happening again, be sure to clean your filter regularly and have your air conditioner serviced annually to keep it in good shape. For more information, contact local professionals like Smedley & Associates.