3 Reasons Your AC is Freezing Up

What is an AC freeze-up and what is the cause? An AC unit has “frozen up” if the refrigerant lines are covered in a thin layer of ice. There are a variety of reasons why this may happen, and some causes you can fix yourself. Here are 3 common reasons why your air conditioner is freezing up and what you need to do next.

Low Airflow

The most common reason your air conditioner is freezing up is a lack of airflow. Air conditioners need a constant flow of air so the humidity running through the unit does not settle on the coils and freeze up. To keep the airflow moving through the unit, make sure you change your air filter often. It is also important to keep the unit clean and get regular tune-ups so air can pass freely through the unit and into your home.

Always start by turning off the unit to let the ice melt and start by checking the filter. If the filter and unit are clean, the culprit is likely not low airflow.

Low Drainage

When your air conditioner cools warm air, any humidity in the air condenses into a liquid and drains from the unit. Without proper drainage, this condensed water stays inside the unit and will eventually freeze. Frozen coils block the drain hole further, making the problem worse. Make sure your unit has proper drainage and is free of anything that will block draining water.

Low Refrigerant

When the refrigerant gets low in your air conditioner, the coils get too cold and freeze. The refrigerant in your air conditioner runs through a closed system, so if it is low, there is a leak that must be fixed by a professional. If you suspect a refrigerant leak, turn off the unit and call for an emergency repair as soon as possible. Refrigerant is unsafe and could be causing further damage to other parts of the unit like the compressor that are very expensive to repair or replace.

AC freeze-ups can be caused by other things like cool summer nights or a damaged blower fan, so if you are unsure of the culprit, always call an HVAC technician to take a look. As mentioned above, the cause of the freeze-up could be causing more issues, so it is best to air on the safe side and call a professional.

Denver air conditioner freezing up? The pros at CT Heating & Air have seen this many times before and we would be happy to help. Call us or contact us online today!