Why is My A/C Freezing Up?

Apr 14, 2021 | Air Conditioner, Cooling, HVAC, Tips & Tricks

If your air conditioner is freezing up, there are several things that could be causing the problem. 

In this article we will discuss some of the more common reasons. We at Cincinnati Premier Heating & Cooling present the following:

REASONS THE AIR CONDITIONER IN YOUR SOUTHWEST OHIO AREA HOME COULD BE FREEZING-UP

Air conditioners need good airflow to keep their cooling coils warm. Without warm air, A/C coils can freeze up before the condensed water has a chance to drain out of it. Moreover, when dirty air filters and closed-off air registers hinder the flow of air, this can cause problems. So it’s a good idea to begin investigating a frozen coil by checking your air filter while also ensuring your registers are clear and opened. If this is at the root of the problem, it’s an easy fix. All you have to do is open the registers or get a new air filter. Air filters need to be replaced very regularly on all HVAC systems regardless.

If these aren’t the causes, freeze-ups also happen when refrigerant levels are low, or when fans aren’t functioning like they’re supposed to. Going down the list, if these aren’t the source of the problem, you should check your thermostat next. If it’s not causing the problem, drainage blockages are another area to check if you have an A/C coil freeze-up. 

During the cooling process, air conditioners compress vapor into a liquid and it drains this liquid outside. If the coils become frozen, the ice will create a barrier in the drainage line. If that happens, the AC will still run, but it won’t cool the home like it should and it will use a lot more power than normal, which will increase your energy bills during the summer. 

If you have a window unit, a household hair-dryer should be enough to thaw the coil out if used on its warmest setting. However, it’s a good idea to check the drain pipe for blockages like debris, dirt, algae and twigs. Be mindful that running an AC with frozen coils can cause serious damage to the compressor, and A/C compressors are the most expensive part of any home cooling system. 

In any case, if none of these suggestions resolve your A/C freeze up problem, we are always a quick and easy phone call away and we’re more than happy to help.

Affordable HVAC Services You Can Trust

At Cincinnati Premier Heating & Cooling, our friendly NATE-certified technicians do all types of AC repair work and installations. Quickly fixing an AC freeze-up is no exception either! Because the summers here in Southwest Ohio can be downright miserable without air conditioning, we always come out quickly to all our repair calls and we guarantee customer satisfaction. 

For more information, call Cincinnati Premier Heating & Cooling today at (513) 216-5712.