Have you noticed ice forming on the inside or outside of your air conditioner? Do you know what to do when your AC freezes? Ice on your air conditioner means there’s an underlying problem with the cooling system. If you catch the problem fast enough, you may not need to replace the entire air conditioner, as repairs may be possible.
If your AC unit is frozen, turn the unit off and call Sam’s Air Control to schedule service. Our HVAC technicians are experts in finding the root cause and repairing air conditioner issues. We’ll get to the source of the issue and fix it for you fast, so you can return to effortless whole-home cooling again.
Our techs are locals to the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern US regions, so we understand local climate issues and care about helping community members like you stay comfortable, even when temperatures soar over 80 degrees.
Common Causes of a Frozen AC Unit
While it’s not normal for your AC unit to freeze occasionally, it can happen. Here are some of the most common issues that cause ice in an air conditioner.
Airflow restrictions
Airflow restrictions inside the AC system, like a malfunctioning fan, dirty air filter, blocked ducts and vents, or a damaged blower motor stop warm air from reaching the evaporator coil, while at the same time, cold air can’t leave the air conditioning system. When the coil gets too cold, it starts to freeze, and ice forms, further blocking the airflow and worsening the problem.
Low or leaking refrigerant
Refrigerant is essential to the air conditioner’s cooling process. When the levels are low, the evaporator coil drops in temperature until it’s below freezing. The excess moisture inside the air conditioner freezes, causing ice formation.
Problems with the evaporator coil
When an AC evaporator coil gets dirty or malfunctions, the air conditioner can no longer remove the heat from the surrounding air. This causes the refrigerant inside the coil to drop in temperature until it forms ice.
Condensate line blockage
If the condensate line is blocked, the air conditioner can no longer drain the excess water that’s drawn from the air during the cooling process. The water builds up inside the cold air conditioner and eventually freezes.
Temperature is set too low
If you set your thermometer too low, the refrigerant may become colder than the surrounding air, causing moisture to condense and then freeze on the evaporator coils.
Low outdoor temperatures
Depending on the type of air conditioner you have and the time of year, lower outdoor temperatures could be the cause of your frozen AC. When temperatures are below 60 degrees for a prolonged period, while the unit is on, cold air causes condensation on the coils, which then freezes, impeding airflow and causing even more ice to form.
Can You Repair a Frozen AC Unit?
Yes, you can usually repair a frozen AC unit, as long as permanent damage hasn’t been done to the evaporator coil, the compressor, or the surrounding components.
The first step is to thaw the unit. It takes a frozen air conditioner anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of days, depending on the extent of the problem and how much ice has built up, how big the air conditioner is, and the temperature outside. Do not chip the ice away, otherwise, you risk causing more damage.
Thawing the AC won’t solve the core issue that caused the problem but it will make it easier to find the problem. Another simple troubleshooting measure you can take is checking (and changing the air filter to reintroduce proper airflow. Refrigerant leaks, mechanical problems, electrical issues, and interior AC cleaning should all be handled by an expert.
If you don’t feel confident handling troubleshooting steps yourself, or if you find problems beyond your scope of knowledge, call an HVAC professional today. At Sam’s Air Control, our professionally trained and certified HVAC technicians are happy to help diagnose and fix the problem.
At Sam’s Air Control, we’ll come take a look, inspect the entire system to find the source of the freezing, and go over your repair options with you so you can make an informed decision. In some cases, replacement is a more cost-efficient move that’ll save you stress in the long run. In others, a simple repair is all it’ll take to get the AC back in good form once again.
When Is a Frozen AC Unit a Sign You Need a Replacement?
Not all frozen air conditioners will be okay after defrosting. In some cases, continuing to run the air conditioner when it’s covered in ice will cause permanent damage requiring replacement, because the ice will expand, seriously harming fragile parts like the coils and compressor.
Some instances when a frozen AC is a sign your air conditioner needs replacing include:
- If the problem continues to happen, or if it’s just one in a long line of continuous repairs you’ve needed over the past year.
- If the cost of the repair will be close to (or more than) the cost to replace the air conditioner. For example, the cost of replacing coils or an AC unit compressor that’s frozen won’t be worthwhile, but a dirty filter or small refrigerant leak will.
- If your air conditioner is nearing the end of its 10- to 15-year lifespan, freezing up may be a sign that it’s becoming less efficient and more likely to experience problems.
Need an AC upgrade or an air conditioner replaced? At Sam’s Air Control, we provide AC installation along with our repair, maintenance, and inspection services. We’ll help you find the perfect central AC or ductless model for your needs.
How To Prevent Your AC Unit From Freezing Up Again
Scheduling regular maintenance is key to extending the life of your cooling system and avoiding issues like frozen coils and damage from ice buildup. During an air conditioner maintenance appointment at Sam’s, all key components are inspected and cleaned. We’ll also check your refrigerant level, tighten any loose parts, check your thermostat, and more.
For one low monthly fee, you can join our helpful maintenance club and relax knowing your system will be clean and in good repair, so it can run efficiently without issues like freezing up.
Between maintenance appointments, you can also do some DIY maintenance like cleaning around the air conditioner, making sure air ducts aren’t blocked, looking for leaks, cleaning mold and algae from the condensate drain, making sure your thermostat has fresh batteries, and checking that the thermostat is measuring the temperature correctly.
Contact Sam’s Air Control if Your AC Is Frozen
If your air conditioner has ice on it or isn’t working as it should, call Sam’s Air Control today. We serve Monmouth, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Somerset, Hudson, Essex, Union, Bergen, Morris, Passaic, and Mercer Counties, keeping New Jersey folk cool and comfortable in the hot, humid summer months.
Schedule AC service today using our online form or contact us today to set up an appointment for quick air conditioner repair. We also offer 24/7 emergency service. At Sam’s Air Control, your comfort is our priority.
