What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze Up?

As the weather gets warmer, air conditioners will be used more and more. If your AC is freezing up, it could be due to several factors, including a clogged air filter, low refrigerant levels, or a faulty blower fan. Learn what causes an air conditioner to freeze up and how to fix it.

What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze Up

Robert B. Payne is one of the top HVAC contractors in your neighborhood. If you need help, our experienced HVAC technicians can diagnose and repair any issues you may have. Contact us today if your air conditioner is freezing up or not working properly.

Dirty Air Filter

Your air conditioner’s air filter is responsible for trapping and removing airborne contaminants. When the filter gets clogged, the airflow is restricted which can cause many different problems including freezing up the evaporator coil. To avoid this, you should clean or change your filter regularly. Experts recommend changing your unit’s air filters every three months. If you live in a dusty environment, have pets in your home, or someone who suffers from allergies, it may be necessary to clean/change the filter even more often.

Low Refrigerant Levels

Your air conditioner uses refrigerant to absorb heat from your home’s air and move it outside. If there isn’t enough refrigerant in the system, it won’t be able to effectively cool the air which can cause the air conditioner’s evaporator coil to freeze. To fix this, you will need to find and repair the leak. This is a job for an experienced, licensed HVAC technician.

Clogged Condensate Drain

Your AC keeps your home comfortable by transferring heat from the inside to the outside. As part of this process, moisture is removed from the air and collected in the evaporator coil. This water is then drained away through a condensate drain line. When this line gets clogged, it will cause your AC to freeze up. It’s important to check your air conditioner’s condensate pan and drain line regularly to make sure they are clean.

Faulty Blower Fan

If the blower fan isn’t working properly, your air conditioner won’t be able to cool your home efficiently and this can cause freezing up of the evaporator coil. A faulty blower fan can be caused by a number of different things, so it’s important to have a professional HVAC technician inspect your system. Failure to do so can result in more costly repairs down the line.

Poor Airflow

Insufficient airflow is one of the major causes of an air conditioner freezing up. This can be caused by a number of different things such as clogged vents, dirty filters, and faulty ductwork. To prevent this from happening, make sure to keep your vents clean and unblocked and change/clean your air filter regularly. If you suspect there are any issues with the ductwork, contact a professional HVAC technician for further inspection.

Incorrect Thermostat Settings

If your thermostat is set too low, the air conditioner will run for longer periods of time which can cause it to freeze up. To prevent this from happening, you should make sure your thermostat is set to the proper temperature. This will help your AC run more efficiently and avoid any freezing issues.

Leaving your fan speed at a low setting can also cause freezing. Make sure you have the fan speed set to “auto” so that it can adjust itself as needed. It’s necessary to run the fan at a high speed when it’s hot outside during the summer. Running the fan at a low speed can strain the unit and make it difficult to regulate the temperature.

A Bad Compressor

The job of the compressor is to compress the refrigerant and remove heat from your property. If it fails, there will be no cool air flowing through and this can cause the evaporator coil to freeze up. If you suspect that your compressor may be failing, contact a professional HVAC technician right away so they can fix the issue before any serious damage is done.

By understanding what causes an air conditioner to freeze up and how to fix it, you can ensure that your AC is running efficiently and keeping your home cool all summer long. Contact Robert B. Payne today if you need help diagnosing or repairing any AC issue.

Top Signs Your AC is Freezing Up

Your AC is Not Cooling Your Home

If you notice that your air conditioner is not cooling your home as well as it used to, it could be a sign that the evaporator coil is freezing up. Make sure to have a professional inspect your system and look for any potential issues with the refrigerant levels or airflow.

Condensation on The Condensate Drain 

If there’s visible ice on the condensate drain, this is a sure sign that your AC has frozen up and needs to be looked at by an HVAC technician. This usually occurs due to a clogged drain line or improper airflow.

Condensation on The Indoor Unit

Is there condensation on the indoor unit of your AC? If yes, this is another sign that your system might be freezing up. If left unchecked, this can lead to more serious problems with your AC so it’s important to have a professional inspect and repair the issue as soon as possible.

Ice on Your Refrigerant Line-Set Pipe

If there’s ice on the line-set pipe, this is a sign that your AC system is not functioning properly. This could be caused by low refrigerant levels or poor airflow. If you notice this sign, contact an HVAC technician right away so they can diagnose and repair the issue. To diagnose this problem, look between your wall and the outdoor unit of your AC. If you see that the pipe connecting them is starting to freeze, it’s best to have an HVAC technician inspect and repair any issues ASAP. 

If your air conditioner is freezing up, don’t ignore it! This can lead to further problems with your AC and more expensive repairs later on. To avoid this, make sure to schedule regular AC maintenance with a trusted HVAC contractor.

The Expert Team at Robert B. Payne Can Help

If your air conditioner is freezing up, it’s important to act quickly and resolve the issue. Not doing so can result in more costly future repairs and even cause permanent damage to your AC unit. Contact Robert B. Payne today at 540-373-5876 for prompt and reliable HVAC services. Our experienced technicians can diagnose and repair any issues you may have so that you can enjoy a cool and comfortable space.