Is it Safe to Pour Hot Water On a Frozen Air Conditioner?

Air conditioners are one of the essential equipment of our house, and we undertake multiple practices to maintain them. However, even after taking utmost care of the system, it often breaks down or leads to failures and blockages. One such issue that most homeowners face is frozen air conditioners.

Even though a frozen air conditioner unit is a common problem, it surely indicates that something is wrong with your air conditioner. There are multiple reasons for your air conditioner unit to freeze. However, you must schedule an AC repair in Corpus Christi, TX, and have your air conditioner fixed.

Reasons for a Frozen AC Unit

A frozen air conditioner unit means that the outdoor unit of the AC is covered with ice and is unable to thaw. The issue of frozen AC units occurs mostly in winters when the system is in heat mode. Your AC unit does come with a defrost mode, which operates in a cycle of 30-60-90 minute intervals.

In summers, an AC unit is frozen when the evaporator coils accumulate ice due to the low temperature of the refrigerant. An air conditioner unit is considered frozen when the heat pump or the evaporator coil has ice formation in winters and summers. Here are some major reasons for a frozen air conditioner:

  • Confined airflow only near the unit
  • Dirty air filter
  • Issues with the blower fan or motor
  • Low levels of refrigerant
  • Faulty defrost system of the air conditioner

Fixing Frozen AC Unit Using Hot Water

Frozen AC can be fixed by switching off the thermostat and switching on the fan. You can even use a hairdryer at the lowest setting to melt the ice. However, do not try to break the ice on the unit with a sharp object by any chance.

It will severely damage the parts of your AC. The issue should be resolved as a frozen AC unit could also lead you to an AC replacement in Corpus Christi, TX. Pouring hot water on your AC unit can also be quite helpful. It would melt the ice faster than any other method. The water has to be hot and not warm.

As an air conditioner is an electrical equipment, you cannot pour steaming water recklessly on the unit. While pouring hot water over your frozen unit, keep the following tips in mind:

  • Unplug the air conditioner unit from the main power source.
  • Pour the hot water only on the coils present in the unit.
  • Do not splash or throw the hot water on the unit. Pour it in a steady stream motion.
  • Ensure that all the water being poured drains outside and does not spill into the house. If you are unsure of doing it yourself, look for AC repair in Corpus Christi, TX.

With proper measures and techniques, you can easily defrost your frozen air conditioner unit. To schedule an AC repair in Corpus Christi, TX, or unfreeze a frozen AC, call us at (361) 287-7032, or you can mail us at jmerdesjmerdes@gmail.com.