My AC Is Frozen: How Long To Defrost?

Even the best air conditioners can run into maintenance issues. One such problem is a frozen AC unit. There are a variety of signs and reasons why this might happen, but regardless, it’s important to know how long a frozen air conditioner needs to de-ice. Typically, it takes approximately 1 to 4 hours to defrost an AC unit. The actual time can be influenced by the extent of ice buildup, the ambient temperature, and the size and efficiency of the AC system.

This will allow you to better plan the steps on how to tackle this issue with the expectation of how much time you’ll need.

How Long Does it Take to De-Ice an Air Conditioning Unit?

A block of ice built up in your system is not good for your air conditioning unit. In fact, this can lead to a busted AC and a desperate call to an air conditioning repair service.

The defrosting process can take anywhere from an hour to an entire day, but it really depends on how much ice there is. While waiting for the air conditioning unit to thaw, replace the air filter and check for other sources of wear and tear. This will help ensure you won’t have to worry about this or other problems moving forward.

If you’re curious about the individual parts of your AC, try learning about how long an air conditioner compressor should last.

Causes of Ice Build-Up

There are a few common culprits, but the biggest issue is dirty air filters. A dirty filter suffocates your air conditioner by blocking airflow.

Another common problem is refrigerant leaks, which can cause frozen coils. If you have a refrigerant leak, you must call an AC technician right away. Refrigerant gas can be hazardous, and you don’t want to breathe it in or attempt to fix this issue yourself.

Learning how a window air conditioner works will help you understand these systems more thoroughly. If you have a wall-mounted unit, you should instead learn how a wall-mounted air conditioner works.