What Causes an AC Unit to Freeze Up During Summer Operation?
Ice on your line-set pipe, which connects the indoor and outdoor units, indicates it may be time to call an HVAC technician. Before doing so, take a walk around your home and check that no vents have been closed off by furniture or draperies. Because this is the common reason for AC units to freeze up during summer operations, remind yourself that running your AC with frozen coils could cause additional damage.
Poor Airflow
An air conditioner often stops functioning correctly due to poor airflow. Blocked vents, dirty filters, and clogged ducts prevent enough warm air from reaching the coil to be converted into cool gas.
What happens then? The refrigerant temperature remains at an unfavorable low level, and moisture that would normally escape via the condensate drain line becomes trapped in the system. Choking the whole system and eventually becoming frozen over.
What else does it cause? Increased energy bills will arrive at your door, and they can permanently damage the entire HVAC system. An AC technician can assess your air conditioner to identify its cause, provide necessary maintenance or repairs, and monitor air filters on an ongoing basis.
Low Refrigerant Levels
An AC system requires a specific amount of refrigerant to function properly. Any decrease in refrigerant levels could throw off its delicate balance between air pressures and line pressures, potentially leading to the freezing of your system.
Low refrigerant levels may be caused by leakage in either your compressor or refrigerant lines. Now, a professional HVAC technician can fix these problems.
- One way to prevent low refrigerant levels is to ensure the air filter is clean, allowing warm air to pass easily through the coil.
- Verify that all vents are open and clear of debris or other obstructions that could impede their operation.
- If anything blocks their way, remove it immediately to maintain optimal airflow.
24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week.
Dirty Air Filter
Dirt clogging your air filter can significantly restrict airflow over your evaporator coil, leading to temperatures dropping and condensation building up on it, which then freezes, further restricting airflow. Ice builds up further, restricting airflow further and leading to increasing restriction and freezing cycles that repeat themselves over time.
If this seems likely, turn off your AC immediately so the ice can thaw before switching it back on, as this could worsen the issue; additionally, check that no closed vents are blocking its airflow into the coil. Here’s everything you need to know about AC Installation.
Dirty Evaporator Coil
An air conditioner that freezes can be a significant inconvenience, particularly when both its evaporator coil and refrigerant line freeze simultaneously. When this occurs, you must turn off your system and switch it to fan mode to blow warm air over the coils more quickly and accelerate the defrosting process.
Frozen air conditioning coils can be an indication of an underlying problem; calling in professionals is the best solution. They have access to the tools and knowledge necessary for diagnosing the source of the issue, as well as replacing refrigerants or parts as needed, saving both time and money in the long run.
Damaged Blower Fan
Faulty Thermostat
Air conditioners need to exchange heat with indoor air, but frozen ACs may fail in this task due to ice formation on their evaporator coil, which interferes with the process. As a result, less cool air may come through than usual, or none at all.
Frozen coils restrict airflow, creating an uncomfortable home and increasing humidity levels. To avoid this scenario, ensure you regularly change your air filter and refrain from blocking vents with household furniture or draperies.
Keep your energy bills under control and avoid freezing by having an HVAC professional provide routine maintenance services throughout the year. They will identify problems before they cause serious damage and keep energy costs under control, while also helping to prevent freeze-ups.
LOOKING TO REPAIR, REPLACE OR UPGRADE?
Our experts can walk you through every step of the way, from prospected which tailored solution would be best for you, to installing and maintaing it…
Refrigerant Leak
Your air conditioner works by sucking warm air from inside your home and blowing it over its evaporator coils, where liquid refrigerant absorbs heat and moisture from these coils before changing states into a gas for transportation to an outdoor unit. Any leak in either its refrigerant line or other components could lead to frozen coils, rendering them inoperable.
If your AC has frozen over, call Green Street HVAC immediately for emergency AC repair! Our trained professionals can perform a thorough inspection of all key components and ensure they are running as they should. Furthermore, with regular maintenance and filter changes, we can help prevent it from reoccurring in the future.
Conclusion
If your AC unit freezes up during summer, it’s not just an inconvenience—it’s a warning sign that your air conditioning system is struggling. AC freezing can prevent your air conditioning unit from delivering the cold air you rely on to stay comfortable. Addressing the root causes promptly helps protect your entire cooling system, keeping your home cool and efficient.Need Fast, Reliable AC Repair? Call Green Street HVAC Today
Don’t sweat it—literally. Green Street HVAC’s experienced technicians are ready to repair AC and tackle frozen coils, refrigerant leaks, and airflow problems with expert care and same-day service. Call Green Street HVAC now for emergency AC repair or to schedule a routine check-up that keeps your home cool and your system running strong all season long.
Proud To Be Your No. 1 HVAC Company
Quality
From the way we insulate our ductwork, to the running of the copper refrigeration pipe – our quality is like no other. We spend as much time as we need to insure that our jobs are done perfect. When choosing Green Street you know the job will be done right – on time – and always within your budget.
All Makes & Models
Green Street’s certified technicians are experienced and trained to service, maintain, install and repair all makes and models of commercial air conditioning & heating equipment.
Expertly Trained
Each one of our lead technicians have years of experience in all aspects of HVAC service in Nashville. It is mandatory for each technician to complete a full in house training calendar to insure that they are up to date on the latest residential air conditioning & heating equipment.
24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week.
