Updated at: 13-04-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

“Why is my window air conditioner freezing up?” is a common concern. If this is the case, then you should continue reading to find out the solution to your query. Having your window air conditioner freeze up instead of cooling your space is a comical sight. I’m sure you believe that your air conditioner is out of the ordinary. As a result of these causes, your window air conditioner was unable to function properly.

Maybe there are some problems with your air conditioning system. For the answer to your inquiry, keep reading this article to see what other options there are for resolving your issue. Window air conditioners can freeze for various reasons, some of which will be discussed in this article. In this post, you’ll learn how to fix problems with your window air conditioner with the use of the information provided. Find out what’s wrong with your window air conditioner by reading on.

Reasons Why Your Window Air Conditioner Freezing Up

As the refrigerant gases expand, they collect heat from the air and then cool down the coils in a closed loop. The heat is then released by pumping it outside and then pressing it. Expansion and condensing coils exchange refrigerant constantly while the device is functioning. No need to buy a new window air conditioner just because yours has stopped working because it has frozen. Typically, there are a number of possible explanations for this. To begin with, they normally require only minor tweaks to your air conditioner’s mechanism to remedy the problem of freezing up. There are a variety of reasons why your window air conditioner can be freezing up, and we’ll try to find a solution for each of them in this section.

Reason #1. Low refrigerant level

Air conditioners can’t function without refrigerant. As a heat sink for the room’s heat, it runs in the air conditioner. Your air conditioner may freeze up if your refrigerant level is too low. While the unit does continue to cool, it does so in an inefficient manner as a result of this situation. A low amount of refrigerant can’t absorb enough heat to keep the appliance’s cooling system stable, since refrigerant is the heat absorber. With less refrigerant in the system, the gas expands much more quickly, resulting in a lower temperature that can quickly freeze any moisture. Reduced refrigerant pressure is one reason for low refrigerant levels. Your air conditioner only needs to be recharged after the leak is repaired. Even if you don’t know why your air conditioner is freezing up, you can check to see if there are any leaks in the unit.

Reason #2. Clogging up of drain system

Have you ever wondered why your window air conditioner drops water? It is the appliance’s drain system that is responsible for this. Water is produced within the air conditioner as moisture condenses on the inside evaporator coils as a result of heat absorption. The accumulated moisture on the coils is collected in the drain system. As a result, a buildup of moisture on the coils of the air conditioner may occur if the drain system becomes clogged. There is a notable decrease in the amount of water pouring from your window air conditioner as a sign of this problem. The drain system has to be checked if your window air conditioner isn’t blowing water at a rate commensurate with how hard you’re using it. If you keep your window air conditioner well-maintained, you won’t have to worry about this issue. You can then go on to the next possible explanation for your air conditioner’s malfunction.

Reason #3. Poor airflow

For your window air conditioner to work properly, air must travel past the coils. There could be a problem if debris has built up on the coils. The refrigerant can freeze up if it becomes clogged with dust, debris, and other types of filth, reducing the effectiveness with which it absorbs heat. This kind of problem can be solved with a thorough cleaning. The air conditioner must be taken out of its place and opened to be cleaned.

This can happen on the air filter as well as the coils. Air filters frequently become clogged with dust, which reduces the efficiency of the air conditioner’s ability to circulate cool air. In order to properly clean the air filter and other areas where dust accumulates, you must follow all instructions in your owner’s manual when you first open the air conditioner. To keep the air conditioner from breaking, always read to the instructions before doing anything. As you can see, the three causes of a window air conditioner freezing up do not necessitate the immediate replacement of the unit. Maintaining your window air conditioner on a regular basis will take care of most of these issues. You need to keep an eye on the condition of your air conditioner. Your window air conditioner will last longer and run more efficiently if you take care of it properly.

How Can I Know My Window AC is Frozen?

The evaporator coil is the portion of a window air conditioner that freezes. The portion of your AC system that is inside your room has an evaporator coil on the front. In most cars, the air filter entirely conceals the radiator-like coil that powers it. The evaporator of a frozen window air conditioner is covered in ice when the filter is removed.

What Happens When an AC Freezes Up?

Normal operation sees a fan in the AC’s rear suck warm room air into the unit’s front. During this process of passing heated air over cool fins, heat from the evaporator is converted into refrigerant and then transported into the outside atmosphere via the condenser on back. Meanwhile, evaporator-cooled air is recirculated and returned to the space.

When a window air conditioner is running, the evaporator fins will become soaked with moisture, just like when a cold beverage bottle stands on a counter. You’ll find a pan at the bottom of the unit, from which water will be dripping and running through channels to the ground outside your window.

However, if the evaporator is too cold, ice will form quicker than the moisture can be removed. The evaporator will freeze over and stop supplying chilly air to your room before you know it.

How to Unfreeze a Window AC – Do’s and Don’ts

It’s best to unplug and let the ice melt naturally from your window AC if it’s stuck in the frozen state. It won’t take long at all.

Do not chip away at the ice with any kind of tool. In order to expedite the process, do not use any heat whatsoever. Damage to your air conditioner could result from dripping water. Allow the unit to defrost naturally by leaving the front door open.

What Conditions Can Cause the AC to Freeze Up?

Here are the most common causes of a frozen window air conditioner and how to fix them without calling in a repairman or spending money on a replacement.

1. Poor Airflow – Dirty Air Filter

A dirty air filter is the most common cause of a frozen window air conditioner. Filters are clogged by dust and grime in the air, as well as pet hair. A frozen evaporator might happen if the airflow through the AC unit is restricted. Prevent this from happening by cleaning your air filter on a regular basis. Ensure that you follow the steps outlined in the user manual that comes with your device.

You can quickly determine if this is the problem by conducting a simple test. Remove the filter from the water. Is it that filthy here? Set the AC to its maximum cooling setting, such as Hi Cool, if necessary. Allow it to run for a few minutes before shutting it down. Compressor start-up sounds are audible. Is it becoming colder? You’ll be fine to go after you clean the filter.

2. Poor Airflow – Dirty Components

You can quickly determine if this is the problem by conducting a simple test. Remove the filter from the water. Is it that filthy here? Set the AC to its maximum cooling setting, such as Hi Cool, if necessary. Allow it to run for a few minutes before shutting it down. Compressor start-up sounds are audible. Is it becoming colder? You’ll be fine to go after you clean the filter.

3. Blower Fan – Broken or Loose

You can quickly determine if this is the problem by conducting a simple test. Remove the filter from the water. Is it that filthy here? Set the AC to its maximum cooling setting, such as Hi Cool, if necessary. Allow it to run for a few minutes before shutting it down. Compressor start-up sounds are audible. Is it becoming colder? You’ll be fine to go after you clean the filter.

You can quickly determine if this is the problem by conducting a simple test. Remove the filter from the water. Is it that filthy here? Set the AC to its maximum cooling setting, such as Hi Cool, if necessary. Allow it to run for a few minutes before shutting it down. Compressor start-up sounds are audible. Is it becoming colder? You’ll be fine to go after you clean the filter.

4. The Outside Temperature Is Too Cool

You can quickly determine if this is the problem by conducting a simple test. Remove the filter from the water. Is it that filthy here? Set the AC to its maximum cooling setting, such as Hi Cool, if necessary. Allow it to run for a few minutes before shutting it down. Compressor start-up sounds are audible. Is it becoming colder? You’ll be fine to go after you clean the filter.

5. Refrigerant Leak

You can quickly determine if this is the problem by conducting a simple test. Remove the filter from the water. Is it that filthy here? Set the AC to its maximum cooling setting, such as Hi Cool, if necessary. Allow it to run for a few minutes before shutting it down. Compressor start-up sounds are audible. Is it becoming colder? You’ll be fine to go after you clean the filter.

You can quickly determine if this is the problem by conducting a simple test. Remove the filter from the water. Is it that filthy here? Set the AC to its maximum cooling setting, such as Hi Cool, if necessary. Allow it to run for a few minutes before shutting it down. Compressor start-up sounds are audible. Is it becoming colder? You’ll be fine to go after you clean the filter.

You can quickly determine if this is the problem by conducting a simple test. Remove the filter from the water. Is it that filthy here? Set the AC to its maximum cooling setting, such as Hi Cool, if necessary. Allow it to run for a few minutes before shutting it down. Compressor start-up sounds are audible. Is it becoming colder? You’ll be fine to go after you clean the filter.

6. Defective Component

You can quickly determine if this is the problem by conducting a simple test. Remove the filter from the water. Is it that filthy here? Set the AC to its maximum cooling setting, such as Hi Cool, if necessary. Allow it to run for a few minutes before shutting it down. Compressor start-up sounds are audible. Is it becoming colder? You’ll be fine to go after you clean the filter.

You can quickly determine if this is the problem by conducting a simple test. Remove the filter from the water. Is it that filthy here? Set the AC to its maximum cooling setting, such as Hi Cool, if necessary. Allow it to run for a few minutes before shutting it down. Compressor start-up sounds are audible. Is it becoming colder? You’ll be fine to go after you clean the filter.

You can quickly determine if this is the problem by conducting a simple test. Remove the filter from the water. Is it that filthy here? Set the AC to its maximum cooling setting, such as Hi Cool, if necessary. Allow it to run for a few minutes before shutting it down. Compressor start-up sounds are audible. Is it becoming colder? You’ll be fine to go after you clean the filter.

  • You can quickly determine if this is the problem by conducting a simple test. Remove the filter from the water. Is it that filthy here? Set the AC to its maximum cooling setting, such as Hi Cool, if necessary. Allow it to run for a few minutes before shutting it down. Compressor start-up sounds are audible. Is it becoming colder? You’ll be fine to go after you clean the filter.
  • You can quickly determine if this is the problem by conducting a simple test. Remove the filter from the water. Is it that filthy here? Set the AC to its maximum cooling setting, such as Hi Cool, if necessary. Allow it to run for a few minutes before shutting it down. Compressor start-up sounds are audible. Is it becoming colder? You’ll be fine to go after you clean the filter.
  • You can quickly determine if this is the problem by conducting a simple test. Remove the filter from the water. Is it that filthy here? Set the AC to its maximum cooling setting, such as Hi Cool, if necessary. Allow it to run for a few minutes before shutting it down. Compressor start-up sounds are audible. Is it becoming colder? You’ll be fine to go after you clean the filter.

Keep your Window AC from Freezing Up

You can quickly determine if this is the problem by conducting a simple test. Remove the filter from the water. Is it that filthy here? Set the AC to its maximum cooling setting, such as Hi Cool, if necessary. Allow it to run for a few minutes before shutting it down. Compressor start-up sounds are audible. Is it becoming colder? You’ll be fine to go after you clean the filter.

You can quickly determine if this is the problem by conducting a simple test. Remove the filter from the water. Is it that filthy here? Set the AC to its maximum cooling setting, such as Hi Cool, if necessary. Allow it to run for a few minutes before shutting it down. Compressor start-up sounds are audible. Is it becoming colder? You’ll be fine to go after you clean the filter.

You can quickly determine if this is the problem by conducting a simple test. Remove the filter from the water. Is it that filthy here? Set the AC to its maximum cooling setting, such as Hi Cool, if necessary. Allow it to run for a few minutes before shutting it down. Compressor start-up sounds are audible. Is it becoming colder? You’ll be fine to go after you clean the filter.

Final Words

You can quickly determine if this is the problem by conducting a simple test. Remove the filter from the water. Is it that filthy here? Set the AC to its maximum cooling setting, such as Hi Cool, if necessary. Allow it to run for a few minutes before shutting it down. Compressor start-up sounds are audible. Is it becoming colder? You’ll be fine to go after you clean the filter.