What to Do When Your AC Unit Freezes Up Inside?

With typical summer temperatures hitting the 90s and often going higher, it’s no wonder that so many Amarillo area homeowners experience issues with their air conditioners. One of the most common questions that customers have is what to do when their AC unit freezes up inside. The experienced team at Amarillo Air Conditioning has some insight into what causes this problem, warning signs that your AC unit is freezing up, and what you should do to prevent a stressful breakdown.

Key Takeaways

• Common causes of an AC freezing include restricted airflow, frozen evaporator coils, and a clogged condensate drain line. 
• Warning signs include warm air blowing from vents, frost or ice buildup on certain components, and constant system short cycling.
• If you suspect your AC is frozen, turn the thermostat off, turn the fan on, and let the ice melt before turning it back on, or call Amarillo Air for assistance. 

What Causes an AC Unit to Freeze Up?

You may wonder what causes an AC unit to freeze up, even when the outdoor temperatures in Amarillo are extremely hot. Here are some reasons why your air conditioner might start freezing up inside:

• Airflow issues: Dirty air filters can force your evaporator coil to freeze or develop a layer of frost, blocked vents can stop air circulation, and a failing blower motor can’t blow enough warm air across the coil, leading to freezing.
• Damaged ductwork: If your ductwork is damaged or poorly designed, it can’t deliver treated air through the network of ducts and into your home, leading to an imbalance that can cause your AC to freeze.
• Refrigerant leaks: When AC refrigerant is low or imbalanced due to a leak, the pressure drops, and the coil temperature drops below freezing when it comes into contact with condensation. 
• Thermostat settings: If you set your thermostat to a very low temperature for a prolonged period, the AC may keep running without giving the coils a chance to cycle off and dry out, which may lead to freezing.
• Clogged drain line: A clogged condensate drain line can force standing water to back up onto the already cold coils, which can freeze and cause AC compressor failure. 

Warning Signs Your AC Unit is Freezing Up

Now that you know why your AC keeps freezing, it’s important to recognize the warning signs that may indicate this problem is occurring in your Amarillo or Canyon, TX, area home:

• There are visible layers of frost or ice on the indoor evaporator coil or the outdoor refrigerant lines.
• Air blowing from your vents feels warm or hot, and the rooms don’t feel cool, even when the thermostat is set to a low temperature.
• You hear unusual bubbling, hissing, or gurgling sounds, all signs of a possible refrigerant leak.
• There are visible leaks or moisture pooling near the indoor air handler, or the condensate drain pan is overflowing.
• The AC is short-cycling, turning on and off repeatedly before reaching the preset temperature.
• You notice a sudden spike in your monthly energy bill, even though your usage hasn’t changed.

Immediate Steps to Take if Your AC Freezes

Amarillo Air Conditioning repairs frozen air conditioners in Amarillo and surrounding areas, but there are some immediate steps you can take if you notice this problem before we arrive:

• Step one: Switch the thermostat to “Off” and the fan setting to “On” to circulate warm air over the ice and help with thawing.
• Step two: Allow the ice to melt naturally, and inspect your condensate drain pan to make sure water isn’t overflowing.
• Step three: Replace your air filter if it’s dirty or clogged, and open all of the air vents and registers in your Bushland, TX, area home.
• Step four: Make sure the components are fully dry, then turn your AC back on, set the thermostat to “Cool,” and check your vents to confirm the airflow is strong and feels cool, not hot or warm.

When to Call an AC Professional

The professionals at Amarillo Air Conditioning know how to unfreeze an AC and get it working again for reliable cooling. If you’ve followed the steps above and your air conditioner still isn’t blowing cold air, or if it re-freezes, we recommend scheduling a repair. When your AC keeps freezing after you thaw the coils and clear the condensate drain line, it’s time to call a professional to prevent major mechanical failures or a costly system breakdown. 

How to Prevent AC Freeze-Ups this Summer

Here’s how to prevent frustrating AC freeze-ups this summer:

• Schedule seasonal AC maintenance to identify and fix minor problems early, before they turn into major issues.
• Keep your vents clear of obstructions, such as area rugs, furniture, and curtains.
• Replace your air filter per the manufacturer’s recommendations or as soon as it becomes dirty or clogged.
• Routinely clear the outdoor condenser of dirt, leaves, and debris, and carefully remove dust from the indoor evaporator coils. 
• If possible, avoid setting your thermostat below 70°F during extremely hot periods. 

Contact Amarillo Air Conditioning Today!

If the AC in your Amarillo area home freezes up, don’t despair. The experts at Amarillo Air Conditioning are available to help. To schedule repairs or seasonal maintenance, contact us today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if you run your AC while it’s frozen?

If you continue to run your AC while it’s frozen, it can cause significant, often permanent damage. A frozen air conditioner puts massive strain on the compressor, which is very costly to repair or replace. 

How long to leave the AC off to unfreeze?

Once you turn the AC off, it can take between three and 24 hours for everything to unfreeze. You can try to speed up the process by turning the fan setting from “Auto” to “On” to help circulate warm air across the coils. 

Is my AC broken if it freezes?

A frozen AC isn’t always broken and can often be repaired if you catch the issue early and call Amarillo Air Conditioning for help. Still, an AC that freezes requires urgent attention to ensure the issue is resolved before it leads to a system malfunction.