My window air conditioner has started to "freeze up" after only being on for maybe an hour.

Question

When I open the filter cover, it looks like it's covered with snow. Does anyone know what I can do about this or why it is happening. It only starts working again if I leave it off for an hour.

Answer 1

It could be low on refrigerant but that would mean it has developed a leak.

Could also freeze from low airflow over the inside coil, like a dirty filter or coils that are dirty or a defective fan motor.

Try the  fan at a higher speed.

Also if the front cover is not on properly or missing louvers you can get recirculation of cold air right back to the intake and cause the same thing.

Answer 2

It sounds like the cooling fins are clogged or blocked by something. Take off the cover, and check and see if all the aluminum pieces are all bent, or clogged with dirt or something else. Also make sure the drain hole, outside is clean and draining smoothly, stick a wire or bobby pin in it to make sure its clear. If none of those are the case. You just have too big of a house to cool for one air conditioner, you might need 2 or 3 ...! Hope this helps you keep cool!

Answer 3

There are a couple of things that can help.  The problem is caused by the humidity in the air where you live.  The moisture content is so high that it will not stay as a vapor at the temperature the coils are.  I used to live in Ohio and had the same problem.  I found cleaning coils helped increase air flow and cut down ice up.  Also;

1)  you can turn the thermostat up so the cooling coils are not so cold.  If you look, it usually freezes up quicker when you are trying to drop the temp lots.

2) Turn on the unit earlier in the day to keep the temps and moisture from getting so high.

Buy a dehumidifier and keep it running.  

Answer 4

Maybe the filter is blocked and the cold air is not coming into the house, instead its freezing up your machine, cause it can't get out.

Check the filter.

Answer 5

it needs freon .buy a new one