Why Do Air Conditioners Freeze Up? Common Causes and Solutions

Summer is no joke in New Orleans, and when the heat peaks, the relief that a functional air conditioner gives you is invaluable. Having an unexpected breakdown in the middle of a heatwave that many are actively avoiding. What happens when your air conditioner suddenly stops cooling and you notice frost buildup? It’s a very serious and frustrating scenario if you don’t know how to remedy it. 

So you may be wondering “Why do air conditioners freeze up?”, well, in order to understand the problem, you need an understanding of how to properly maintain your system. So, today, in this blog post we’re answering the question “Why do air conditioners freeze up?” and how you can fix it. 

Let’s get started!

How Does an Air Conditioner Freeze?

If you don’t know the fundamentals of how your system works, it’ll be hard to answer the question “Why do air conditioners freeze up?”. So, first, you need to know that air conditioners require refrigerant to absorb heat from the air, which then passes over the evaporator coils to cool your home. In order for all of this to work as it should, the airflow and refrigerant levels should be accurate.

Reduced airflow or any other mechanical issue could cause the coils to get too cold and cause the moisture to freeze on their surface. Now, let’s explore what causes this kind of disruption. 

Common Causes of Air Conditioner Freezing

Restricted Airflow

There are a lot of pretty common reasons as to why air conditioners freeze up–one of the most common being restricted airflow. If the air is unable to circulate properly, your evaporator coils won’t acquire enough warm air to mitigate freezing. 

More often than not, you’ll find that dirty filters are usually the culprit, but other causes can include blocked vents, closed registers, and even clogged ductwork. A regular change of filters will alleviate a lot of these issues and prevent your air conditioner from freezing. 

Low Refrigerant Levels 

If your refrigerant levels are low, your system is at risk of freezing. Low refrigerant levels are usually caused by leaks in the system that are reducing the pressure, which in turn, lowers the temperature of your refrigerant. Ultimately, this can cause your coils to freeze. So, if you’re experiencing some cooling issues and wondering “Why do air conditioners freeze up?”, the answer to your problem very well could be low refrigerant. That said, you’ll need to call a professional. Luckily, Optimum Air Solutions is always here to help!

Dirty or Damaged Coils 

Dirty evaporator coils may be a little harder to diagnose with the untrained eye, but please understand that they have just as hard of an impact as any other symptom. Over time, dirt, debris, and grime can accumulate on your system’s coils, averting the absorption of what. 

If your coils are not regularly cleaned, you can count on some grime build-up and maybe even a frozen system. 

Thermostat Settings or Mechanical Issues 

If your thermostat settings aren’t calibrated properly, your system has the potential to overwork itself, which also could cause freezing. If your thermostat is set too low, your air conditioner could run for far too long without giving your evaporator coils a chance to defrost. 

On the other hand, there are mechanical problems, like a malfunctioned blower fan, that will reduce airflow and would also contribute to your system’s freezing. 

Clogged Drain Lines 

Clogged drain lines are a lot less common, but it’s important to know that they can still lead to freezing. If the water isn’t draining efficiently, it’ll accumulate and freeze on your coils, which is exactly what you don’t want. 

Signs That Your Air Conditioner is Freezing 

Identifying the signs of a freezing air conditioner is only the first step, but it’s a pretty big one if you act quickly. If you notice that your system isn’t cooling properly or you’re noticing some build-up on your unit, these are pretty clear indicators. 

Additionally, any reduced airflow, weird noises, or unusually high utility bills are some other good identifiers. Keep an eye out!

Solutions for a Freezing Air Conditioner

Once you understand the answer to “Why do air conditioners freeze up?”, you’re now in a good place to start with fixes. Here’s what you can do:

Turn Off the System 

If you see any ice on your air conditioner, make sure that you turn it off immediately. Make sure that you let the ice melt before going in to resolve the issue. 

Inspect Filters and Vents 

Check in on all of your air filters and vents. If you notice that your filters are dirty, be sure to replace them and check that all of your vents are open and unobstructed. 

Schedule Professional Repairs 

If the issue is more complex, like a refrigerant leak or any other mechanical failure, get in touch with the Optimum Air Solutions team! We’ll be able to properly diagnose the problem and repair it with a lasting solution. 

Regular Maintenance 

The best way to mitigate any freezing issues is through the scheduling of regular maintenance. During your routine maintenance visit, you can count on your coils being cleaned, your air filters replaced, and your refrigerant levels checked–not to mention, an addressing of any other potential problems before they turn into bigger ones. 

Preventative Maintenance: Your Best Defense 

In order to avoid real problems like your air conditioner freezing up, being proactive in scheduling your preventative maintenance is the key. When you’re diligent in scheduling your bi-annual tune-ups with Optimum Air Solutions, our team will be able to catch these problems before they hatch. 

Prioritize your maintenance and extend the lifespan of your system. There are a host of answers to the question “Why do air conditioners freeze up?”, but preventative maintenance solves the problem. 

Are you ready to schedule your preventive maintenance? Get in touch with the Optimum Air Solutions team! We’ll work with you closely to understand all of your heating and cooling needs. If you’re ready to remedy your frozen air conditioner, click here!

We’ll have you breathing easy in the Big Easy in no time!