While you might think ice buildup on your AC unit is a sign that it is working, it’s actually a sign that it needs to be repaired right away. During summertime, it is common for air conditioners to get overworked and experience malfunctions that can lead to frozen evaporator coils and other types of serious damage. Instead of delivering cool, comfortable air, a frozen air conditioning system can end up blowing cold air inconsistently or, in some cases, not cooling at all. This can be especially frustrating when you’re dealing with the outside temperature being blistering hot (as it often is in Texas summers) and relying on your AC to keep your home comfortable.
Plus, if left unaddressed, ice buildup can put unnecessary strain on your AC, resulting in costly repairs or even premature system failure.
At Lex Air Conditioning and Heating, our experienced technicians have seen firsthand how frozen AC coils can disrupt your home’s comfort. That’s why we recommend becoming familiar with the most common causes of AC freezing so that you can take the necessary steps to avoid this problem. Keep reading to learn more about what might cause your air conditioner to freeze and what you should do about it.
What Causes an AC to Freeze Up?
An air conditioner freezing up is a frustrating issue that can leave you without cool air when you need it most. A qualified HVAC technician can diagnose the problem easily, but understanding the common causes can help you address issues before they escalate. Insufficient airflow is perhaps the most obvious sign, as restricted air movement can prevent proper heat exchange, leading to frozen coils. In some cases, having too many vents closed can disrupt the system’s balance, causing pressure imbalances that contribute to freezing.
There are many other things that might be responsible for your AC unit freezing up, from low refrigerant to a damaged blower fan and more. We’ll explore these reasons in more detail below.
Common Reasons for Air Conditioner Freezing
Lack of Airflow
Your evaporator coils are filled with refrigerant, which is used to create cool air. Warm air is sent over the evaporator coils to simultaneously prevent the coils from freezing over and provide the coils with air that can be cooled and sent inside. However, when airflow is restricted, the evaporator coils can’t absorb enough heat, leading to ice buildup and system inefficiency.
Several things can block proper airflow in your system, including clogged air ducts, which prevent warm air from reaching the coils. Inadequate airflow can also stem from blocked vent returns or closed supply registers, which limit the circulation of air throughout your system. If too many vents are shut or obstructed, your AC struggles to pull in and distribute air properly, increasing the risk poor air flow and frozen coils.
Regular maintenance, such as keeping vents open and ensuring air ducts are clean, can help prevent these issues and keep your system running smoothly.
Low Refrigerant Levels
Proper refrigerant levels are essential for maintaining the right balance of pressure and temperature in your cooling system. When an air conditioner’s refrigerant levels are low due to a leak, the system struggles to absorb and transfer heat effectively. This pressure drop causes the evaporator coils to become excessively cold, leading to ice formation. As the ice builds up, it further restricts airflow, worsening the problem and potentially causing the AC to shut down entirely.
If left unaddressed, refrigerant leaks can strain your system, reducing efficiency and increasing energy costs. A professional inspection can help identify leaks in your refrigerant lines, restore proper levels, and prevent any further damage to your air conditioning unit.
Dirty Coils
A dirty evaporator coil can significantly impact your AC’s performance by trapping dust, dirt, and debris on its surface. When the indoor coil becomes coated in grime, it prevents proper heat absorption, leading to temperature imbalances in the system. As a result, instead of efficiently cooling the air, the coil becomes too cold, leading to ice forming on its surface.
Over time, the ice buildup worsens, further restricting airflow and causing the AC to work harder, which can strain the system and lead to costly repairs. Regularly replacing air filters and scheduling professional coil cleanings can help prevent this issue and keep your AC running efficiently.
Fan Speed
Your fan’s rotation speed should be fast enough to ensure the appropriate amount of cooled air is blowing over your AC’s coils. Without enough air moving across the coils, the refrigerant inside them won’t properly absorb heat, causing condensation to freeze and restrict airflow even further.
Over time, this can lead to efficiency issues, increased energy consumption, and potential damage to the system.
Blocked Drain Line
Your air conditioners evaporator coil removes excess moisture from the air inside your home. This moisture-turned-water vapor is then caught in a drain pan and directed out of the system. However, if you have a clogged condensate drain line, water cannot properly drain, leading to an overflow or ice buildup.
As you can imagine, if there is something blocking the drain line, nearby water vapor will freeze and cause even further blockage of the drain. This can result in water damage, reduced efficiency, and potential system failure.
Regular maintenance and clearing of the drain line can help prevent these issues and keep both the outside unit and indoor components functioning properly.
What to Do When Your AC Unit Freezes Up
If your outdoor air conditioner freezes, it is important that you call a qualified Carrollton AC repair technician at Lex Air right away. A frozen AC unit is a sure sign that something is wrong with your system and ignoring this issue could lead to your whole system breaking down.
While you wait for your professional HVAC technician to arrive, turn your thermostat off, but leave the fan on. Keeping your thermostat set to cool will force your HVAC system to endure more strain and increase the risk of further damage. Instead, setting the fan to “On” while keeping the cooling setting off can add airflow that can start to melt the ice on your AC coils.
How to Prevent Your AC Unit Freezing
Air conditioners freeze for a variety of reasons, but most of these issues can be avoided by taking advantage of regular maintenance. By staying proactive, you can keep your AC running efficiently while preventing mechanical failures and costly repairs.
Below are a few ways you can address some of the most common causes of a frozen air conditioner:
- Dirty Air Filter: A dirty filter restricts airflow, leading to ice formation on your AC system. To prevent this, make sure to check the air filter and replace it at least once a month to maintain proper airflow and avoid frozen coils.
- Faulty Blower Fan: Just like a clogged filter, a malfunctioning blower fan can also cause your AC to freeze. If you suspect an issue, schedule a thorough inspection with an HVAC professional to diagnose and fix the problem.
- Refrigerant Leak: A refrigerant leak can be hazardous and significantly impact your system’s performance. If you notice weak cooling or ice buildup and suspect this may be the cause, contact an HVAC technician immediately to address the leak and restore proper refrigerant levels.
- Dirty Coils: Dust buildup on the condenser unit and evaporator coils can cause freezing. Regularly cleaning your system as part of regular maintenance helps prevent this issue and keeps your AC running smoothly.
- Poor Fan Speed: If your system’s fan speed is too low, it won’t circulate enough air to prevent freezing. An HVAC technician can adjust the fan settings to ensure optimal airflow.
- Drain Line Blockage: A clogged condensate drain line can lead to ice buildup and further system damage. To prevent blockages, regularly clear the drain pipe—especially during warmer months.
By keeping up with regular maintenance, such as checking the air filter, cleaning the outdoor unit, and scheduling a thorough inspection with a Carrollton, TX AC tune-up professional at Lex Air at least once a year, you can prevent AC freezing and extend the lifespan of your system.
Lex Air is There for All Your HVAC Needs
A frozen AC is a serious issue, but it can be resolved if caught early. When air conditioner malfunctions occur, they can cause your system to blow warm air or stop working altogether. At Lex Air in Carrollton, TX, our highly trained technicians are fully equipped to handle any HVAC system issue, ensuring your home stays comfortable year-round. Whether your AC is frozen or your experiencing another issue that’s affecting your comfort, our team will respond quickly to diagnose the problem and restore your cooling system.
Our AC company offers a full range of air conditioning services, including but not limited to:
- Carrollton AC repair
- Carrollton AC installation
- Carrollton AC tune-ups
- Carrollton ductless mini-splits
- Carrollton home zoning services
- Carrollton thermostat repair and installation
If your HVAC system is struggling, don’t wait—contact Lex Air Conditioning and Heating today for expert service!
Frozen Air Conditioner? Call a Professional Carrollton HVAC Technician at Lex Air Conditioning and Heating Right Away
Is your AC unit frozen? Don’t let a malfunctioning system disrupt your comfort. The experienced team at Lex Air, a trusted HVAC company serving Carrollton, Texas and the surrounding DFW Metro Area, is here to help.
With over 30 years of service excellence, we provide reliable solutions to get your AC working correctly again, ensuring the air inside your home stays cool and comfortable. Our expert technicians will diagnose the issue and restore your system to maintain a consistent temperature throughout your space.
For fast and effective AC service, call Lex Air at (972) 217-8955 or send us a message online today!
