Discovering ice buildup on your air conditioning unit can be alarming. If you’re wondering how do you unfreeze an air conditioner, you’re not alone. This is a common issue many homeowners face during the cooling season. The good news is that understanding the causes and solutions can help you address the problem quickly and prevent it from happening again.

Why Your Air Conditioner is Frozen

Several factors can cause your AC unit to freeze up. The most common culprits relate to airflow restrictions or refrigerant issues within the system.

Airflow Problems

When air can’t circulate properly through your system, the evaporator coils become too cold and ice forms. Dirty air filters are the leading cause of restricted airflow. When filters become clogged with dust and debris, they block air from reaching the coils. This causes the temperature to drop below freezing, creating ice buildup.

Blocked vents or closed registers can also restrict airflow throughout your home. Even a dirty evaporator coil itself can prevent proper air circulation and lead to freezing.

Refrigerant Issues

Low refrigerant levels will cause your system to freeze. When refrigerant is low due to a leak or improper charge, the pressure drops, and the remaining refrigerant becomes too cold. This causes the coils to freeze over.

Refrigerant doesn’t get “used up” like fuel. If levels are low, there’s a leak that needs professional attention.                                                                    

Other Causes

Running your AC when outdoor temperatures drop below 60°F can cause freezing. The system isn’t designed to operate efficiently in cold weather. Additionally, a malfunctioning blower fan that isn’t circulating air properly can lead to frozen coils.

How to Defrost an AC Unit

If your air conditioner is frozen, follow these steps to safely thaw it out:                                                                                                                                

Step 1: Turn Off the System

Shut off your air conditioner immediately at the thermostat. Continuing to run a frozen unit can damage the compressor, leading to expensive repairs.

Step 2: Turn on the Fan

Switch your thermostat to “fan only” mode. This circulates warm air through the system and speeds up the thawing process. Keep the fan running for several hours.

Step 3: Check for Water

As the ice melts, water will drain through your condensate line. Place towels around the unit to catch any overflow. Check your drain pan to ensure it’s not clogged and water is draining properly.

Step 4: Replace the Air Filter

While waiting for the ice to melt, inspect and replace your air filter if it’s dirty. A clean filter ensures proper airflow once you restart the system.

Step 5: Inspect the Unit

Look for any visible issues like blocked vents or debris around the outdoor condenser. Clear away any obstructions that could restrict airflow.

How to Fix Frozen AC Coils Long-Term

Knowing how to unfreeze an AC is helpful, but preventing the problem from recurring is more important. Here’s how to keep your system running smoothly:

Regular Maintenance

Change your air filter every 1-3 months, depending on usage. Schedule annual HVAC maintenance with a professional technician to keep your system in top condition. Regular tune-ups catch small problems before they cause freezing.

Check Refrigerant Levels

Only a licensed technician can properly check and adjust refrigerant levels. If your system freezes repeatedly, you likely have a refrigerant leak that needs repair. Never attempt to add refrigerant yourself: this requires specialized equipment and certification.

Improve Airflow

Keep all vents and registers open throughout your home. Don’t block them with furniture or curtains. Ensure your outdoor condenser unit has at least two feet of clearance on all sides for proper air circulation.

Monitor System Performance

Pay attention to warning signs like reduced cooling, ice on refrigerant lines, or unusual noises. Addressing small issues quickly prevents bigger problems down the road.

When to Call a Professional

While you can safely fix frozen AC coils by turning off the system and letting it thaw, recurring freezing requires professional diagnosis. If your unit freezes again after thawing, contact an experienced technician.

A professional can identify whether you have a refrigerant leak, faulty components, or ductwork issues. They have the tools and expertise to properly diagnose and repair the root cause of the problem.

Get Expert AC Repair in Arvada

Don’t let a frozen air conditioner leave you uncomfortable all summer. At Go Green Heating & Air Conditioning, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing all AC issues, including frozen evaporator coils and refrigerant leaks.

Our NATE-certified technicians provide honest assessments and reliable solutions for Arvada homeowners. Whether you need emergency HVAC repair or preventative maintenance, we’re here to help.

If your AC keeps freezing, contact us today for fast, professional service. We’ll get your system running efficiently so you can stay cool and comfortable all season long.

It’s a conundrum every homeowner eventually faces: whether it’s best to repair vs. replace an air conditioner. The answer isn’t always straightforward. Your cooling system works hard to remove humidity and keep your home comfortable, especially during Colorado’s hot summer months. With regular use year after year, even the most reliable units will eventually show signs of wear.

In this post, we’ll help you understand when repairing makes sense and when replacement is the smarter investment for your home and budget.

Understanding Your Air Conditioner’s Condition

Air conditioners can break down for many reasons, and the severity of the issue can vary widely. With numerous components working together, from the compressor and evaporator coils to the refrigerant lines and electrical connections, it’s not always easy to determine whether a problem is minor or a sign of bigger issues. That’s where professional guidance becomes invaluable.

Should I Repair My AC?

Most homeowners choose to repair their air conditioning units for two primary reasons: cost savings and necessity. If the issue is relatively minor and your system is still in good overall condition, repair is often the right choice.

When repair makes sense:

• Minor issues – Problems like a faulty capacitor, clogged drain line, or refrigerant leak can typically be fixed quickly and affordably
• Newer systems – If your AC is less than 10 years old and this is its first major issue, repair is usually worth it
• Cost-effective fixes – When the repair costs less than half the price of a new system, repairing is generally the smarter financial choice
• Good maintenance history – Units that have been properly maintained throughout their lifespan tend to respond well to repairs

Keep in mind that a repair will almost always cost less upfront than a full replacement, even for fairly significant problems. However, the long-term picture matters, too.

When to Replace an AC

While repairs can extend your system’s life, replacement becomes the better option in several situations. Knowing when to replace your AC can save you from wasting money on repairs that won’t hold up.

When replacement is the right call:

• Frequent breakdowns – If you’re calling for repairs multiple times per season, the costs add up quickly
• Major component failure – When the compressor or evaporator coil fails, repair costs can approach the price of a new system
• Rising energy bills – Older, inefficient systems cost significantly more to operate month after month
• R-22 refrigerant – If your system uses R-22 (Freon), which is being phased out, repairs will only become more expensive
• Poor performance – When your AC struggles to maintain comfortable temperatures or humidity levels

When Should I Replace My AC Unit?

The age of your system plays a crucial role in this decision. How long do AC units last? Most air conditioners have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance. If your unit is approaching or has exceeded this range, replacement is typically the best path forward.

Beyond age, consider the 5,000-hour rule: if the repair cost multiplied by the age of your unit in years exceeds $5,000, replacement usually makes more financial sense. For example, a $500 repair on a 12-year-old system equals $6,000, suggesting replacement is the better investment.

The Benefits of Replacing Your Air Conditioner

Installing a new air conditioner offers advantages beyond just fixing the immediate problem:

• Energy efficiency – Modern AC units are significantly more efficient than models from even 10 years ago, potentially reducing your cooling costs by 20-40%
• Better comfort – New systems provide more consistent temperatures and better humidity control
• Improved air quality – Today’s air conditioners feature advanced filtration options
• Reliability – A new system with a warranty means peace of mind and fewer emergency repair calls
• Smart technology – Modern systems offer programmable and Wi-Fi-enabled thermostats for maximum convenience

Making the Right Choice for Your Home

The decision between repair and replacement depends on your specific situation. While this guide provides helpful benchmarks, the best thing you can do is get an expert opinion before making your final decision.

At Go Green Heating & Air Conditioning, our NATE-certified technicians can inspect your system, identify the root cause of any problems, and provide honest recommendations about whether repair or replacement makes the most sense for your home and budget. We’ll explain your options clearly, provide transparent pricing, and support you through whichever path you choose.

When you need AC repair or installation services in Arvada and the Denver area, we’re here to help. We’ll make sure your home stays cool and comfortable all season long.

Ready to get expert advice on your air conditioner? Call 303-731-4417 or get a free quote today.

By Go Green Heating & Air Staff
Updated July, 2025 | 6-Minute Read

When most people think about indoor comfort, they focus on temperature. But humidity (both too much and too little) plays a significant role in your home’s comfort and your HVAC system’s performance. The right balance of humidity improves air quality, energy efficiency, and even the lifespan of your air conditioning and heating equipment.

At Go Green Heating & Air Conditioning, we help homeowners in Denver maintain the perfect indoor climate year-round. In this guide, we’ll look at the interplay between HVAC and humidity, your comfort, and what you can do to achieve optimal indoor air quality.

What Is Humidity and Why Does It Matter?

Humidity refers to the amount of moisture in the air. It’s typically measured as relative humidity (RH), which is the percentage of moisture in the air compared to the maximum amount the air can hold at a given temperature.

For ideal indoor comfort and safety, the EPA-recommended humidity level is between 30% and 50%. Levels outside this range can lead to problems with your HVAC system, health, and home environment.

• High humidity (above 50%) can cause mold growth, poor air quality, and a strain on your HVAC system.
• Low humidity (below 30%) can lead to dry skin, respiratory issues, and increased static electricity in your home.

How Humidity Affects Air Conditioning

High Humidity Problems 

Excessive moisture in the air makes your air conditioning system work harder to keep your home cool and comfortable. Here’s why:

1. Overworking Your Air Conditioner

When humidity is high, your air conditioning system must remove both heat and moisture from the air. This added workload can:

• Reduce efficiency, making your system run longer and use more energy.
• Increase wear and tear, leading to more frequent repairs.
• Shorten the lifespan of your air conditioner.

2. Poor Cooling Performance

Even if your AC is running, high humidity can make your home feel warmer and sticky. This is because excess moisture prevents sweat from evaporating off your skin, making you feel hotter than the actual temperature.

3. Mold and Mildew Growth

Warm, damp conditions create the perfect environment for mold and mildew. High humidity levels can cause condensation inside your HVAC system, leading to mold growth in:

• Air ducts
• Evaporator coils
• Air filters

Mold spores can then circulate through your home, leading to allergies, respiratory issues, and musty odors.

4. Higher Energy Bills

Since your air conditioning system must work harder in humid conditions, it consumes more energy. This leads to higher electricity bills during the summer.

Low Humidity Problems 

While high humidity is a common issue during warmer months, low humidity can be just as problematic, especially during Denver’s dry winters.

1. Increased Static Electricity

Dry air increases static electricity, leading to annoying shocks when touching doorknobs, carpets, and electronics.

2. Dry and Cracked Wood

Low humidity can cause hardwood floors, furniture, and wooden doors to crack or warp over time. This is especially concerning in Denver’s climate, where dry air is common in winter.

3. Respiratory Problems

Dry indoor air can irritate your throat, nose, and lungs, causing:

• Dry skin and chapped lips
• Worsened allergies and asthma
• Increased risk of colds and respiratory infections

4. Strain on Your Heating System

When humidity is too low, air feels colder than it actually is. This often leads homeowners to crank up the heat, increasing energy usage and heating bills.

Your HVAC & Humidity Control

Your HVAC system does more than just heat and cool your home, it also plays a crucial role in humidity control.

1. Air Conditioners and Humidity

How does HVAC reduce humidity? Your air conditioning system naturally removes some humidity as it cools the air. This happens as the system pulls warm air over cold evaporator coils, where moisture condenses and drains away, leaving cooler, drier air to circulate back into the home. However, if your AC is too large for your home, it may cool the air too quickly without effectively dehumidifying, leading to lingering moisture.

2. Whole-Home Dehumidifiers

If high humidity is a recurring problem, installing a whole-home dehumidifier can help maintain balanced moisture levels. These systems work alongside your HVAC unit to remove excess humidity and improve comfort.

3. Furnaces and Humidity

In winter, your furnace can dry out indoor air, leading to the issues associated with low humidity.

4. Whole-Home Humidifiers

To combat dry air, a whole-home humidifier can be installed within your HVAC system. This device adds moisture to the air as it circulates, preventing overly dry conditions.

Tips for Maintaining Ideal Indoor Humidity

Here are some practical steps on HVAC humidity control to keep your home’s levels in check:

For High Humidity (Above 50%)

Use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to remove excess moisture. Install a dehumidifier to reduce indoor humidity. Energy Star recommends using dehumidifiers in humid houses to help lighten your HVAC system’s load. Ensure your air conditioning system is properly sized and maintained. Keep air filters clean to prevent airflow blockages.

For Low Humidity (Below 30%)

Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air during winter. Keep houseplants indoors, as they naturally increase humidity. Avoid overusing your furnace, and consider setting it to a moderate temperature. Place bowls of water near heating vents to introduce moisture into the air.

Why Choose Go Green Heating & Air Conditioning?

At Go Green Heating & Air Conditioning, we understand that humidity control is just as important as temperature control when it comes to indoor comfort. Whether you need air conditioning services to reduce humidity or a humidifier installation for dry winter air, our team has the expertise to help.

Our services include: 

• Expert HVAC maintenance, repair, and installation 
• Energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions 
• Whole-home humidifier and dehumidifier installations 
• Personalized recommendations for improving indoor air quality

Contact Go Green Heating & Air Conditioning Today!

If you’re struggling with high or low humidity levels, your HVAC system may need an upgrade or adjustment. At Go Green Heating & Air Conditioning, we provide expert solutions for Denver air conditioning and heating needs.

Call us today to schedule an HVAC inspection and take control of your indoor comfort!

Disclaimer: This post is intended for educational purposes and is based on best practices in the HVAC industry. Always consult a certified HVAC professional for specific guidance related to your home’s heating and cooling systems.

About the Author

Denver Heating & Air Conditioning has served homeowners throughout the Denver metro area with professional HVAC installation, repair, and maintenance services for over 20 years. Our team includes NATE-certified technicians who specialize in indoor comfort solutions, energy efficiency, and whole-home air quality.

Bringing cool air to every room in your home is possible—learn how to leverage the walls of your home.

In the world of air conditioning, it is fairly common to incorporate walls into the overall design. Whether you invest in a wall-mounted air conditioner for every room of your home or a centralized system that feeds through the walls, you might wonder what determines what will and will not work.

In this post, we are going to explore what you need to know about installing air conditioning on the walls of your home.

Installing Air Conditioning on Home Walls

Are you looking to turn your wall into a source of cool and refreshing air? These considerations can help you to find a solution that will last.

Can You Install Wall-Mounted A/C Units on Any Wall?

Wall-mounted A/C units are a popular option for convenient local cooling. These units are often fitted directly into walls or placed on top of them. Their only real requirement is that they need a wall.

Although wall-mounted air conditioning units can be fitted on most walls. There may be some details that would make some walls less than ideal for this purpose. If the wall-mounted A/C unit is going through the wall, it is important to select a wall that does not have any features that might be compromised during the installation.

Can You Bring Air Conditioning to the Walls of Any Room?

Most rooms can be fitted with air conditioning in some capacity. Whether it is the addition of a wall-mounted unit or just the vents of a centralized system, modern homes are designed to support these systems. Older homes can often be a good fit as well, although some exceptions may apply. No matter what, you should be able to bring air conditioning to the rooms of your home.

How to Make the Best Choice for Bringing A/C to Your Walls

The majority of homeowners want homes that offer a comfortable indoor temperature to balance the weather every month of the year. This is a completely understandable standard to keep for your home—and your walls can offer countless solutions.

There are many air conditioning solutions available that can leverage walls. However, there are also considerations that can influence the eventual quality of your room’s air conditioning design. When it comes to making decisions, it helps to have the support of an expert.

To get the best possible air conditioning solutions, homeowners should always work with professionals that understand the complicated dynamics involved with air conditioning. Making the decision to call in professionals can allow you to stop guessing and give you the power to invest in solutions that will support your home.

The Takeaway

Homeowners have many solutions available when it comes to bringing cool air into their homes. To invest in a design that will be the perfect match for any room in your residence, you should work with professionals. We offer dedicated Denver air conditioning services that last. To learn more, contact us today!

Air conditioning is one technology it is hard to imagine life without–who actually made it?

Hot weather is great when you are lounging by the pool, but it can be a lot less pleasant when you are melting inside on your couch. Though fans can provide some temporary relief, nothing works quite like the air conditioner. In today’s world, we have so many different models with different features–but have you ever thought to look back at where it all began? In this post, we’re looking into the invention of the air conditioner.

Inventing the Air Conditioner

Bringing cool air to the masses is the kind of offering that is guaranteed to bring you some degree of fame, but the original versions of the air conditioner weren’t quite what we know today. The history of the air conditioner is surprisingly complex. Let’s take a look at how it all began.

When Was the Air Conditioner First Made?

Even though most of us can’t imagine life without the air conditioner, it actually wasn’t introduced until the 1900s. Specifically, the first version of the air conditioner comparable to what we know today was created in 1902. Before that, fans were the only real relief from the heat available!

Who Created the First Air Conditioner?

The version of the air conditioner that was released in 1902 was created by a man named Willis Haviland Carrier. As you might expect, Carrier was a very talented engineer. Like any engineer, he was committed to solving a problem–and the problem actually wasn’t the masses melting in the sweltering heat. He was looking to cool down a business dedicated to printing. Yes, objects received this technology long before we did!

How Have Air Conditioners Changed?

Throughout history, air conditioners have changed time and time again–always for the better. Since their introduction, air conditioners have decreased in size and increased in efficiency. We can fit them into smaller places (including windows!), and they take a lot less energy to run. Even today’s systems that are not considered energy efficient are more efficient than older models.

Are There A Lot of Air Conditioner Manufacturers?

Given the popularity of air conditioners, we shouldn’t be surprised that a lot of big names have joined the market. There are tons of air conditioner manufacturers all around the world. Thanks to these talented groups, we have the cold air we know and love!

The Takeaway

Life without air conditioning is hot and humid. Even though Denver isn’t known for its humidity, it is known to bring the heat during those summer months–especially in the evenings. For all of your modern Denver air conditioning needs, we are happy to help. Our experts will help you to enjoy all of the benefits that modern air conditioning systems can offer and more!