Your HVAC system is made of many small components that work together to ensure efficient and proper airflow throughout your home or workplace. The AC coils are just one of those parts. They are responsible for allowing refrigerant to travel through your HVAC system, ensuring cool indoor air. However, frozen AC coils can still be a problem in hot and humid cities like Houston. Keep reading this blog to learn the signs, causes, and solutions for frozen AC coils in Houston. 

3 Signs And Causes Of Frozen AC Coils

Before you can begin unfreezing your AC coils, it’s important to know what symptoms your AC system might experience. You also need to understand the potential causes so you can keep an eye out and prevent frozen AC coils in the future. To determine whether or not you’re dealing with frozen AC coils, ask the following questions: 

• Is your AC working but only emitting warm air? 
• Are the thermostat and indoor temperatures mismatched?
• Is there flooding near the drain pipe?
• Has there been more condensation around your AC and home than usual?
• Is there visible ice on the coils, lines, and outdoor AC unit?

If you find yourself saying yes to any of these questions, you might be dealing with frozen AC coils. As for how they froze in the first place, mechanical failures, blockages derailing airflow, and low refrigerant levels are the most common causes. Mechanical failures can involve the motor or blower fan, and airflow problems can be the result of dirty AC filters or evaporator coils.

3 Timely Solutions For Frozen AC Coils In Houston

Now that you know the signs and causes of frozen AC coils, here are some timely solutions you can attempt before calling a technician for further assistance. If you find that you aren’t entirely confident in your ability to carry out these troubleshooting steps, go ahead and reach out to a technician right away. 

1. Use Fan Mode After Turning Off AC

If there is visible ice on your AC coils, the first thing you need to do is turn off your AC and let the ice melt. The best way to ensure the ice melts is to let your AC unit sit for a while after turning it off before also turning off the thermostat and only turning on your AC’s fan mode. While doing this, you should also take the time to check and change the AC filters and clean the coils, as these are simple ways to return your AC to working condition. Once the ice has melted, let the coils dry, then clean them.

2. If HVAC Has A Heat Pump, Use Defrost Mode

Another solution for frozen AC coils is to use defrost mode. If your HVAC system utilizes a heat pump, it should include a defrost mode. Take advantage of this feature to easily start returning your AC to working condition. 

3. Melt The Ice With A Hair Dryer

If your fan mode doesn’t do the job or your HVAC system doesn’t include a heat pump with defrost mode, you can always use a hair dryer to melt the ice coating the AC coils. Once the ice has melted, clean it up and start taking the next steps to set your AC right.

Unfreeze And Restore Your AC Coils With AC Doctor & Air Duct Cleaning!

We hope these three timely solutions for frozen AC coils in Houston are useful. Knowing the signs and symptoms will help you recognize whether or not your AC coils need defrosting as soon as possible. Of course, you’ll still need a professional to help you get to the bottom of this situation. Whether it’s dirty AC filters or low levels of refrigerant, a professional HVAC technician is most qualified to show you how to keep your AC coils from freezing again. Contact us at AC Doctor & Air Duct Cleaning today for our state-of-the-art Houston services.