Why Is My AC Freezing Up?

AC, Air Conditioner, Air Filters, Airflow, Freezing, Frozen, Leak, Refrigerant, Temperature, Thermostat, Vents

Dealing with a frozen air conditioner can be pretty confusing. It’s definitely strange to think about an AC unit freezing up in warm weather! Luckily, we are here to help! Now, there are several reasons why this might happen. Our friendly experts at Madeira Heating & Air are here to walk you through the common causes and help you troubleshoot a frozen air conditioning unit.

Step 1: Staying Calm

First of all, it’s important to stay “cool” and levelheaded amidst the confusion. We’re here to reassure you that everything is manageable. Your trusted Madeira Heating & Air family is ready to help and provide the relief you need! Let’s tackle and solve this issue together.

Step 2: Start Troubleshooting

Dealing with Insufficient Airflow: Reduced airflow can cause your AC unit to freeze if it prevents proper operation. When cool air gets trapped due to clogged air filters or blocked vents, it can cause the refrigerant to freeze on the coil surfaces, leading to less airflow.

Troubleshoot This Problem By: Inspecting your air filters to see if they need to be changed. (Generally, air filters should be changed every 1-3 months depending on the type of air filter you are using.) In addition, make sure all your HVAC vents are open and free from any blockages that could restrict airflow.

Managing Incorrect Thermostat Settings: Sometimes, your thermostat might be set too low. If your home’s indoor temperature is really low, it can put extra strain on your air conditioner, making it hard for it to keep up and potentially causing it to freeze up.

Troubleshoot This Problem By: A simple tweak of the thermostat to a higher setting can fix this. Plus, installing a smart thermostat can efficiently manage and fine-tune your home’s temperature, easing the load on your air conditioner. With a smart thermostat, you can set your temperature preferences, ensuring your home is always welcoming and comfy. This eliminates the need or urge to set your thermostat to unnecessarily low temperatures.

Balancing Refrigerant Levels: If your AC’s coolant isn’t properly balanced, it can cause freezing issues. When the evaporator’s temperature drops too much, moisture can freeze and create ice buildup. So, keeping those refrigerant levels balanced is key!

Troubleshoot This Problem By: It’s best to leave refrigerant issues to the pros. Our licensed HVAC technicians have the right tools to safely check and manage your AC’s refrigerant levels. So, if you think there’s a problem, feel free to reach out to us!

It’s good to know the signs of low or leaking refrigerant issues:

Strange bubbling or hissing sounds when the AC is off
Not enough cool air coming from the AC
Ice forming on the refrigerant lines

Step 3: Seeking Professional Consultation

If the freezing problem remains unresolved, if there’s a refrigerant issue, or if this problem persists, it’s time to call a licensed HVAC professional. Ignoring this issue could put unnecessary stress on your air conditioner and lead to preventable damage, which we’d all prefer to avoid. So, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

Step 4: Defrosting Your Unit

Lastly, spotting ice on your unit means it’s time to take action to restore your AC’s performance. Before it can get back to work, you’ll need to thaw it out. This applies even if you’re waiting for a professional to check it out. (A frozen unit is tough to diagnose and handle.)

For a safe defrosting process: