When to Call a Professional: AC Freezing Issues

There are a few concerns you never want to spot when it comes to your air conditioner, and freezing issues on coils or the exterior unit are good examples. What causes an air conditioner unit to freeze up? There are a few possible culprits – some that you can likely remedy on your own in most cases, but others that will require professional assistance.

At Thompson’s Comfort Connection, we’re here to help with a wide range of air conditioning installation and AC repair services across Sandy, Midvale, Draper, Cottonwood Heights, Riverton and nearby areas. Here are a few of the most common culprits in an AC unit freezing up, plus how to address these concerns and whether it might be prudent to call a professional.

Basics on a Frozen AC

Before we get into any specifics, let’s first cover the basics of a frozen AC unit. In most cases, when we say “frozen” here, we’re referring to ice or frost that has built up on either the evaporator coils (located inside your home) or condenser coils (located outside). This buildup occurs due to water vapor in the air condensing on these surfaces and then freezing.

In the case of frozen evaporator coils, this often means reduced airflow for your system – not only does this affect cooling power, it also makes your system work harder and can lead to increased energy bills. On the other hand, if you spot ice on your exterior unit’s condenser coils, this means the system will not be able to release heat properly, leading to decreased efficiency and a potential for even more significant damage.

As we noted above, there are a few different possible causes of freezing AC coils or exterior units, including the following:

Dirty Air Filters

One of the simplest but most common causes of frozen AC coils is a dirty air filter. This filter catches airborne particles before they can enter your system, but if it’s not changed regularly, it will become clogged and restrict airflow – this forces the evaporator coils to work harder than usual and can result in freezing.

If you notice ice on your evaporator coils, check for a dirty filter first. If you find one, replace it and see whether the issue goes away within an hour or so. You should notice these changes pretty quickly, in most cases.

Airflow Concerns

In other cases, there may be issues with airflow that have nothing to do with air filters. These can include dirty or blocked vents, ductwork leaks, damaged fans or a few others.

For those who change their filter but still see ice on the coils after an hour or so, check your vents and other areas for possible airflow obstructions, like furniture or clutter in front of discharge areas. If you don’t find any, this may be the time to call our pros for assistance.

Insufficient Refrigerant

Refrigerant levels are vital to proper AC function, as they help transfer heat from inside your home to outside. If refrigerant is running low – often due to a leak – the system will struggle to keep up with cooling demands and could lead to freezing.

This is an issue best left to our pros – we’ll not only check refrigerant levels, but repair any leaks and recharge the system as needed.

Malfunctioning Thermostat

In some cases, frozen AC coils are caused by a faulty thermostat. This could be due to age or mechanical failure, and it may affect both temperature readings and humidity levels in your home.

In this case, first simply check to ensure that your thermostat’s batteries are still good. If this doesn’t solve the problem, it’s time to call us for thermostat repair or replacement services.

Blower Fan Issues

Another component that helps circulate air through the evaporator coils is the blower fan. If this unit malfunctions, it can cause reduced airflow and lead to freezing.

If you notice an issue with your blower fan, don’t hesitate to call us for assistance – we’ll diagnose any issues and get things up and running again.

Condensate Drain Line Clogs

Your system’s condensate drain line is responsible for removing excess moisture from the air. If this line becomes clogged, it can lead to water backing up and freezing on the coils.

To prevent this issue, schedule regular maintenance visits with our team – we’ll check and clear your drain line to avoid any potential problems down the road.

As you can see, there are several possible causes of a frozen AC unit or coils, some of which require professional assistance. If you’re experiencing this issue, don’t hesitate to contact Thompson’s Comfort Connection for fast and reliable solutions. Our experienced technicians will diagnose the problem and provide efficient repairs to get your system back up and running in no time, whether you’re in Sandy, Midvale, Draper, Cottonwood Heights, Riverton or any nearby area!