Why Is Your Home Air Conditioner Freezing Up? Common Causes and Fixes

We know that when your home air conditioner freezes up, it can really throw a monkey wrench in your day, especially during the peak cooling months. Not only will a frozen air conditioner put a halt on your comfort, but it also leads to a decrease in efficiency which can lead down a road of expensive repairs. That’s why today, we’re diving into why your home air conditioner freezes up, some of the common reasons for your home AC freezing, and just how to remedy the problem before it turns into an even bigger one. 

Let’s get started!

Understanding Why Your Home Air Conditioner Freezes Up

Your air conditioner is designed to keep your home cool and comfortable, but not so much so that it freezes over and renders itself obsolete. If your home air conditioner freezes up, that’s a clear indication that there’s something in the system not working properly. It usually starts with ice forming on your evaporator coils. From there, your system will experience a disruption in airflow and a reduction in cooling productivity. 

When you notice your home air conditioner freezing up, proactivity is key. Before you can act on your frozen air conditioner, you need to understand the root causes and fix them immediately. Let’s dive into some of the most common reasons for home AC freezing up and how you can remedy the issue. 

Common Reasons for Home AC Freezing 

Restricted Airflow 

One of the leading causes of a home air conditioner freezing up is restricted airflow. In order for your air conditioner to run properly, it demands a consistency in airflow that keeps your evaporator coils warm enough to mitigate freezing. There are a lot of reasons your air flow could be restricted including:

• Dirty air filters
• Blocked vents 
• Closed dampers

Low Refrigerant Levels

If you notice that your home air conditioner is freezing up, it might be due to low refrigerant levels. Once the refrigerant pressure drops, your system’s evaporator coils will cool far too much which causes the ice to form. More often than not, you’re going to need a professional to deliver solutions. 

Thermostat Settings 

If you set your thermostat too low, you’re putting yourself in a position for your home air conditioner to freeze up. Make sure that your temperatures are always below recommended levels, especially when you aren’t inhabiting the space. You don’t want your HVAC system to work harder than it should, because you could have a frozen coil situation on your hands. 

Mechanical Issues 

Malfunctioning fans, motors, and/or compressors will have a negative impact on your air conditioner system’s efficiency. If these components aren’t functioning properly, the air won’t circulate efficiently, which could lead to a buildup of ice. 

Humidity Problems 

If you have an excess of humidity in your space, you can count on some condensation. One of the common reasons for home ACs changing is because of the condensation on the coils, which ultimately will freeze if neglected. 

Fixing a Frozen Air Conditioner 

If you’re dealing with a frozen air conditioner, here are a few ways you can address the problem at home:

Check Airflow

Make sure that there is never anything restricting the airflow in your AC system. Replacing your dirty filters, cleaning vents, and elevating circulation by opening all of the dampers, are all proactive steps you can take to stop your home air conditioner from freezing up.

Inspect Refrigerant Levels 

Do you think you have some low refrigerant levels? You’ll need to get in touch with a professional. Your trusted certified technician will be able to analyze your system and check for leaks, recharge your AC, and guarantee that it is running properly. 

Maintain Your System 

Be diligent in scheduling all of your regular ac maintenance. Your trusted professionals will clean all of your evaporator coils and make sure everything is working as it should be. Proactivity and diligence are the keys to mitigating some of the most common reasons for your home AC freezing up. 

Control Humidity

Utilizing a dehumidifier will make a world of difference. It’s a great way to manage all of the excess moisture that is living in your home, especially when you’re living in a climate as humid as New Orleans’. That way, you’ll lessen the condensation and ice formation that accumulates. 

When to Call a Professional

If you notice that your home air conditioner is freezing up, understand that it’s not that big of a deal and in some instances can be tackled at home. On the other hand, there are situations that will demand the expertise of a trained professional. Here’s when you’ll need to give the Optimum Air Solutions team a call:

• You notice your system freezing up constantly, even after filter changes and vent cleanings 
• You hear weird noises or sense a weakness in your airflow
• Your refrigerant levels are low, and a leak occurs

You can count on the Optimum Air Solutions team to diagnose the underlying problems and deliver the necessary solutions to guarantee that your AC is back to running at its peak performance. 

Don’t Let a Frozen AC Leave You In Heat 

If you know that your home air conditioner is freezing up frequently, please know that you don’t have to go at the issue alone! The Optimum Air Solutions team is here to help you, whether we’re addressing your airflow or remedying your refrigerant leak. We have you covered!

Click here to get in touch with the team. We’ll have you breathing easy in the Big Easy in no time.