What Causes a Frozen Air Conditioner?

Thermostat Settings

• The hotter it is outside, the harder it is to cool the inside. This typically entails running the unit full blast on the lowest cool setting. However, Tthis can do more harm than good. If your air conditioner is running nonstop at the lowest setting, it can actually prohibit the unit from cooling properly. The unit can overpower itself and the high pressure cold air causes the unit's normal condensation to freeze. Instead of getting a cooler home, you achieve a running block of ice that isn't pushing out cold air.

Air Filters

• Most air conditioners come equipped with replaceable air filters. These inexpensive filters keep dust and particles out of the unit and allow the required air to circulate properly. If these filters aren't changed frequently, your air conditioner can not function properly and it may cause the unit to freeze over.

Freon

• Air conditioners use a gas, known as freon, to adequately cool the air circulating from the unit's compressor out to the home. If the freon levels become low, the unit will overwork to circulate the cool air, which can result in a frozen unit. If the air conditioner continues to run on little to no freon, it may stop working all together. If you suspect your unit's freon levels are low, contact a licensed professional immediately. Never attempt to check or refill freon yourself. In most states, a technician license is required to purchase this dangerous gas.