When your central AC blows hot air, it often means you have a frozen coil. Frozen may sound like a good problem for an AC to have, but your system cannot cool your home if the coil is iced over.
It is important to know that AC technicians cannot fix your frozen coil problem until the coil thaws. So if your AC is not producing cold air, take these steps before you call your technician:
1. Check your filter
A dirty filter could be the only issue preventing your AC from cooling your air, and that is an easy fix. Turn off your furnace fan by turning your system to OFF on your thermostat. Locate your return vent, unscrew the cover (if any), and pull out your filter. If it’s dirty, simply replace it. Write down the size indicated on the edge of the filter, and purchase a new one at a home improvement store. With your system still OFF, pull out the dirty filter, paying attention to which way the air flow arrow points on the edge of the filter, and put the new filter in facing the same direction.
2. Thaw out your AC
If your filter is not dirty, try thawing out your AC coil. First, switch your thermostat to OFF and your fan to ON. This will start defrosting your coil, which is located inside the air handling unit next to your furnace. Call an expert technician from a reputable heating and cooling company and set up an appointment to have them come look at your AC unit after the coil thaws. Give your unit a few hours to fully defrost, and head to a movie theater or restaurant to stay cool.
To see if your coil is thawed, locate your air handler and the frozen coil. Check the condensate pan underneath the coil to make sure it is draining properly, and not leaking and causing damage to your floor.
3. Turn your AC back on
After a few hours, check your coil. It should be dry and free of frost or ice. Switch your thermostat back to “cool” to turn your AC back on. If the air comes out cooler than room temperature, you have fixed your AC problem! If not, it is now ready for your technician to make any necessary repairs. Even if your AC is working again, it is good to have your technician inspect the system, as a frozen coil usually a sign that something is wrong.
Don’t be stuck with a non-functioning AC system on a hot day when the demand for technicians is high, and the wait for service is long. Get your checked annually, before trouble starts. Call Anthony Plumbing, Heating & Cooling at A-N-T-H-O-N-Y (268-4669) KS or MO, (913-268-4669), or click here to schedule a service call.