Here Is Why Your AC Coils Keep Freezing

If your AC doesn't cool your space evenly, or if you have visible moisture around your room, frozen AC coils are the most likely cause. The issue makes your home unhealthy and uncomfortable to live in.



The causes of frozen AC coils include easy-to-rectify issues such as dirty filters and more severe problems like low refrigerant levels. This blog explores the most common causes of frozen AC coils and what you can do to prevent the problem.

Dirty Filters

The AC filters clean the air that circulates through your home. Over time, however, dirt and debris may accumulate on the filter to cause a blockage.

When the filters are blocked, air will have limited passage. And since the coils require a continuous airflow to function correctly, a restricted airflow may cause the coils to freeze. Besides frozen coils, other signs of a dirty filter include:

• A rise in allergy symptoms
• An increase in energy bills
• A weird smell emanating from the AC unit
• Mold growth around the unit

If you suspect that your filters are dirty, clean or replace the filters. Most filters require replacement every 1-2 months. However, the filter replacement frequency also depends on the type of filter and frequency of use. If nothing changes after filter replacement, seek professional AC repair services.

Low Refrigerant Levels

The refrigerant absorbs the heat in your home and releases the hot air outside. The chemical undergoes cycles of evaporation and condensation, but its quantity doesn't change. So, if your AC has a low refrigerant level, that may indicate a refrigerant leakage.

Low refrigerant means your unit cannot absorb enough heat to cool your home. As a result, the coils will get too cold and eventually freeze. As such, if your AC doesn't cool efficiently, or you notice ice buildup around the AC unit, contact a professional to inspect your air conditioning unit and rule out refrigerant leaks as the cause of these problems.

Thermostat Issues

The thermostat helps to maintain the set temperature in your home. However, if this component is faulty, your AC may run more than necessary, which puts pressure on the coils. As a result, they will become too cold and freeze.

Note that thermostat issues are not always a call for AC repair. In some cases, the problem could be as simple as an incorrect setting on your thermostat. So, before you contact an AC repair professional, check the thermostat to ensure it's set correctly. Then, if the issue persists, seek professional AC repair services to help you diagnose and fix the problem.

Dirty Condensate Drain

The condensate line drains away the water that collects on the evaporator coils. Over time, however, the drain may become clogged with dirt and debris, which prevents proper drainage.

When the water can't drain away, it will accumulate on the coils and eventually freeze them. Sometimes, you may even see water leaking from your AC unit.

If you notice these signs, let an HVAC expert inspect your unit and unclog the drain to prevent further damage.

Insufficient Airflow

For the coils to function correctly, there must be a continuous airflow around them. The coils will become too cold and freeze if the airflow is insufficient.

Several factors can restrict airflow around the coils. These include:

• Dirty filters
• Clogged air ducts
• Faulty fan blower

A professional HVAC technician will be able to determine which of these things are inhibiting the system’s airflow.

Whatever the cause of frozen AC coils is, let a professional inspect and rectify the issue before your AC fails completely. You can count on us at Briarwood Heating & Cooling to help you with all your AC repair needs. Our experienced contractors will quickly diagnose the problem and recommend the best solution. Contact us to schedule a consultation.