What to do right now
- Set the thermostat to Off, then switch the fan to On. Moving air over the coil helps the ice melt faster.
- Don't chip or scrape the ice. You can puncture the coil.
- Put towels under the indoor unit. Melting ice makes a lot of water, and a clogged drain can overflow.
- Give it a few hours to thaw completely before turning cooling back on.
The most common causes
- A dirty air filter. This is the number one cause and the easiest fix.
- Closed or blocked vents and return grilles. Furniture, rugs, or closed registers starve the system of air.
- Low refrigerant from a leak. Refrigerant doesn't get used up, so low refrigerant always means a leak somewhere.
- A dirty indoor coil that blocks airflow even with a clean filter.
- A weak or failing blower motor.
When to call
If you've replaced the filter, opened the vents, and it freezes again within a day or two, the problem is usually refrigerant or the blower. Both need a licensed technician. Running a frozen system can damage the compressor, which is the most expensive part of your AC.
Need help?
King Air Conditioning & Electrical handles ac repair & heating service across Van Zandt, Kaufman, Hunt and Rains counties. Call or text 903-873-3716.