Why Is My AC Freezing Up?
The last thing you want on a scorching Tucson day is for your AC to freeze up and stop working. Frozen evaporator coils are a common cause, and if not addressed, they can lead to bigger issues and leave you stuck in the heat.
In this blog, we'll answer the question, "Why is my AC unit freezing up?" and review the following factors:
Let's take a closer look at this AC problem and how the experts at Advantage Air can help.
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What Does It Mean When Your AC Freezes Up?
Air conditioners cool your home by circulating refrigerant through the evaporator coil, absorbing heat, and then releasing it outside. If the refrigerant can't properly absorb heat, the coil or refrigerant lines may freeze, causing ice to build up. Not only does this reduce cooling efficiency, but it can also damage your compressor and lead to expensive repairs.
Some homeowners may be tempted to ignore the ice and run their AC anyway. However, doing so can worsen the issue and cause further damage. You should schedule service as soon as possible to restore functionality and prevent costly repairs.
What Causes an AC Unit to Freeze Up?
Now that you know what a frozen AC entails, you might be wondering: Why would an AC unit freeze up? Typically, this problem occurs due to one of the following reasons:
- Restricted airflow: Air conditioners use filters to remove pollutants. Over time, these filters can become clogged, which blocks warm airflow over the coil.
- Low refrigerant levels: If refrigerant levels are too low, your AC won't pull in enough heat, causing temperatures to drop.
- Refrigerant leaks: When refrigerant leaks, it reduces pressure inside the system, which expands the evaporator coil and drops the temperature. For refrigerant problems, you should always contact an HVAC professional.
- Fan problems: Similar to clogged filters, a broken blower fan or low fan speed prevents warm air from moving over the coil.
- Thermostat issues: A faulty thermostat can cause your AC unit to run too long, causing the evaporator coil to cool down too much.
- Low outdoor temperatures: Although your AC can freeze any time of the year, it's much more common during the winter. Low outdoor temperatures can freeze the system, especially if it runs overnight.
What to Do When Your AC Unit Freezes Up Inside
From poor functionality to long-term damage, a frozen AC unit has many consequences. Here are a few steps you can take to help prevent these problems:
- Turn off the system: Continuing to run a frozen AC unit strains the compressor.
- Change thermostat settings: "Fan Only" mode helps thaw ice faster.
- Change filters: Replacing dirty air filters can solve airflow problems.
- Inspect vents: Make sure all your vents and registers are open and unblocked.
- Call a professional: If ice persists or your AC leaks, contact HVAC professionals for assistance.
Preventive Maintenance Tips to Avoid Future Freezing
While you can't guarantee that an AC unit won't freeze, you can reduce the risk with preventive maintenance. During a maintenance session, the technicians will do the following:
- Clean/change air filters
- Check refrigerant levels and airflow
- Keep the vents and registers clear
- Inspect ductwork for leaks or damage
- Calibrate and upgrade the thermostat
Together, these tasks help prevent freezing and keep your system running efficiently.
When to Call a Professional for Help
Unsure whether you're dealing with a frozen AC unit? Look for the following signs:
- Persistent ice buildup
- Refrigerant leaks
- Broken fan or blower motor
- Strange noises
- Reduced cooling performance
For the best results, contact an HVAC professional. HVAC technicians can fix your unit and prevent costly compressor failure with AC repair services.
Stay Cool and Avoid Costly Breakdowns—Book Preventive Maintenance
If you're experiencing cooling problems, Advantage Air can help. For over 30 years, we've delivered 5-star AC repair services to homeowners across Tucson. With every job, you can expect a 100% satisfaction guarantee.