What Causes an AC to Ice Up?

Should you notice that your air conditioner has frozen over, you can turn the unit off and give it time to defrost before firing it back up, but it may just ice up all over again the next time you try to cool off. Discovering the causes behind such a problem can help you take steps to avoid it, and you’ll know when fixing the problem requires the expertise of an HVAC technician.

AC Ice Could Indicate Poor Airflow

An AC freeze-up in Collin County, TX, commonly results from a blockage in your ductwork that prevents or reduces airflow. As such, treated air will become trapped in your air conditioner. The outdoor compressor will still continue to pump air into the indoor unit in spite of the issue, causing more air to gather around the evaporator coils, where its moisture will freeze and turn to ice.

A Dirty Air Filter Can Also Result in an AC Freeze-Up in Collin County, TX

Similar to blocked ductwork, dirty air filters will also prevent proper airflow. When a filter becomes too clogged with dust and debris, the system won’t be able to push the treated air through it, leaving it trapped in the system and leading to the coils freezing over.

Thankfully, you can prevent such an issue by cleaning or changing your unit’s air filter every 30 days. Doing so will help you ensure that air properly flows through. 

Freezing Over May Be a Sign of a Refrigerant Leak

You’ll also experience an AC freeze-up in Collin County, TX, if you’re experiencing a refrigerant leak. As an AC unit’s refrigerant level drops, it won’t cool the air as effectively, which leads to moisture accumulating in the air around the system’s coils. The water vapor then freezes and turns to ice.

An HVAC technician can determine whether you have a refrigerant leak and repair it. In the meantime, turn your air conditioner off to avoid causing additional damage to the system.

Turn to the Pros for AC Repairs

Airmax provides maintenance, repairs, and new system installations for your heating and cooling equipment. Whenever you're having a problem with your air conditioner, we can fix the problem and help you maintain better cooling efficiency. For air conditioner repairs from a trusted company, schedule a service with us today!