Why Are My AC Coils Frozen?
Do you notice that your AC does not seem to be running properly? You are sweating sitting in your home and don’t know how to fix it. Believe it or not, your AC coils may be frozen, even if it’s the middle of the summer! That’s right, your AC coils can freeze any time of year! So, what causes this to happen, and more importantly, how can you fix it? Read through this guide to better understand your air conditioner, and how you can fix frozen AC coils.
How Do My AC Coils Freeze?
The two main causes of frozen AC coils are clogged air filters/lack of air flow, and refrigerant leaks. First, clogged or dirty air ducts can cause your air conditioning system to run improperly. The disrupted air flow doesn’t allow your system to keep coils warm, allowing moisture in the system to settle on the coils and freeze. As for refrigerant leaks, this issue can cause frozen coils in several different ways.
For one, a refrigerant leak may cause the pressure in your system to drop, telling the refrigerant to expand and freeze.
Another way is through the refrigerant itself which can accumulate in the AC unit and freeze if not properly drained.You may be wondering what you can do if you find yourself in a situation where your AC coils are frozen. Luckily, we have the answers!
What Are The Signs?
First, how do you know if your AC coils are frozen? Don’t worry, there are a few signs that indicate frozen coils you can rely on. If your AC runs but you aren’t feeling any cooler or any cold air coming out at all, if ice is visible anywhere on the unit, or if you notice more moisture than normal around your system, these could all be signs that you have frozen coils. Be sure to check your system with the steps below or contact an HVAC professional.
Can I Still Run My AC with Frozen Coils?
Running your AC while the coils are frozen is not recommended. It can:
- Cause long-term damage to the compressor, one of the most expensive parts of your system.
- Lead to reduced efficiency and higher energy bills.
- Make the problem worse by freezing up more of the internal components.
If you suspect frozen coils, it’s best to shut the unit off and let it thaw completely before restarting.
What Causes AC Coils to Keep Freezing?
If your system keeps freezing over and over again, it may point to a deeper issue. Common causes include:
- Blocked vents or ductwork that restrict airflow
- Low refrigerant levels due to a leak
- Thermostat malfunctions that cause short cycling
- Dirty evaporator coils that prevent heat transfer
- Undersized systems that struggle to meet your home’s cooling demands
Regular AC maintenance is the best way to prevent recurring issues and catch problems before they become expensive repairs.
How to Prevent Frozen Coils in the Future
Here are a few easy steps to help prevent frozen coils:
- Replace or clean your air filters every 1–3 months.
- Schedule an annual AC tune-up to check refrigerant levels and airflow.
- Keep vents and registers clear of furniture, dust, or debris.
- Use a programmable thermostat to avoid overcooling your home.
- Inspect ductwork for damage or blockages.
How to Fix Frozen AC Coils
There are a few DIY options to unfreeze your AC that you can try before you call a trained professional. First, you can turn on the fan in your AC and turn off whatever thermostat setting was on. This can potentially unfreeze your coils by pushing warmer air over them. This process will take a few hours.
Second, if your system includes a heat pump, turning on defrost mode could do the trick. If you do not have a heat pump, be sure to check your AC unit’s owner’s manual, there may be instructions included for unfreezing coils.
When Should You Call a Professional?
If you are still having issues after going through these DIY steps, it is probably best to call in an HVAC professional. Luckily, here at Same Day Heating and Air Conditioning, we have trained professionals that are happy to help. We offer AC replacements, tune ups, and repairs, visit us today!
At Same Day Heating and Air Conditioning, our experts can:
- Diagnose refrigerant leaks
- Inspect and clean evaporator coils
- Calibrate your thermostat
- Improve airflow and system performance
