What Causes AC Unit to Freeze Up & How Do I Stop My Air Conditioner from Freezing Up

Christopher ClarkMay 3, 2022May 3, 2022

What Causes AC Unit to Freeze Up & How Do I Stop My Air Conditioner from Freezing Up

Your AC unit is designed to cool your home by blowing air over cold coils. These coils are filled with a refrigerant, which begins in a liquid state and then evaporates into a gaseous state. When the system is working properly, the refrigerant cycles through the coils as it changes states, cooling your home in a continuous cycle. However, your unit can freeze up for several reasons, and some of these are explained below.

Reasons Why Your Conditioner is Freezing Up

A freezing unit could be a result of any of the following:

Dirty Air Filters

Your unit relies on clean air filters to function properly. The air filter is responsible for trapping dirt, dust, and other airborne particles before they have a chance to enter the unit. Over time, the air filter becomes clogged with these particles, which can restrict airflow to the unit. A lack of airflow will cause the coils to freeze because they are not receiving enough heat.

Clogged Vents

The vents in your home must be clear so that air can flow freely and cool your home effectively. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for these vents to become blocked with dust. When this happens, there will be a lack of airflow, and this will cause your air conditioner to freeze up.

Low Refrigerant Levels

Your unit needs a certain amount of refrigerant to function properly. If the refrigerant level is low, it can cause the coils to freeze. There are several reasons why refrigerant levels might be below, such as the system leaking or too much heat being blown away.

How to Stop Your Conditioner from Freezing Up

You can prevent your unit from freezing up by taking the following steps:

Check and Clean Air Filters Regularly

Cleaning your filters will ensure that dust and dirt particles don’t restrict airflow to your unit. If you do not clean these filters regularly, the coils in your unit will freeze up because of a lack of airflow.

Ensure that Vents are Clear

The vents in your home must be clear so that air can flow freely and cool your home effectively. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for these vents to become blocked with dust. When this happens, there will be a lack of airflow, and this will cause your unit to freeze up.

Schedule Regular Maintenance

Your unit needs to be serviced regularly to ensure that it functions properly. A professional will be able to check for any issues that could cause your unit to freeze up, such as low refrigerant levels or dirty coils.

By following these steps, you can prevent your unit from freezing up and keep it running smoothly all year round. If your unit keeps on freezing up, you should contact Elite Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. We are a team of professional HVAC contractors who provide AC repair, installation, and maintenance services. Call us today to learn more about how we can help.