What Are 5 Common Causes of a Freezing Air Conditioner?

An air conditioner is an essential appliance that relieves you from the hot, humid weather. However, the scorching heat can be a massive inconvenience if your air conditioner malfunctions since nobody likes melting away on the couch. One of the most common causes of a malfunctioning air conditioner is when it freezes internally.

As the best air conditioner repair and installation company in Edmonton and Calgary, we put together five common causes of a freezing air conditioner and how you can resolve them.

1. Blasting Thermostat Levels

While it may be tempting to blast your air conditioner on a hot summer day, overusing it can increase your chances of encountering severe problems. Blasting your air conditioner’s thermostat daily at a low temperature is one easy way to freeze the coils and turn your AC system into a block of ice. 

You can prevent an icy cold air conditioner by avoiding overusing or running your AC overnight. We suggest setting your thermostat at low levels only during heat waves or overly humid days. You can also ask your technician to repair or replace your damaged thermostat.

2. Neglecting a Dirty Air Filter

A clean air filter ensures your air conditioner runs more efficiently, reduces energy bills, and prolongs lifespan. On the other hand, a dirty air filter is one sign that causes most issues in air conditioning units. 

Neglecting a clogged filter allows dirt and dust to build up and obstruct proper airflow. It will eventually make your refrigerant over-cool and freeze all condensation on your air conditioner or cause it to blow warm air. 

You can save money on your air conditioner bills by inspecting your air filters monthly. We urge homeowners to clean or replace their filters every three months. You should also replace them if the filter looks unrecognizable.

3. Having a Faulty Fan

A malfunctioning fan can also turn your air conditioner into a block of ice. A fan creating rattling noises, propelling slower than usual, or if it’s not moving are clear signs your air conditioner is suffering from a fan malfunction.

Condensation will eventually build up, whether the fan acquires damage from overuse when it doesn’t function properly or the previous contractor didn’t install the fan correctly. The excessive condensation will also build up on your unit’s coils and make them freeze. 

Contact your Legacy Heating and Cooling air conditioner technician if your fan is damaged or not working. 

4. Having a Faulty Drainage

The main drainage issues are clogged dirt, loose drain lines, and a faulty pipe. When a blockage occurs, the dirt buildup can disrupt the water flow and turn your air conditioner into a block of ice. On the other hand, loose drainage pipes will cause the water to leak all around your air conditioning unit and eventually freeze over it if you don’t clean and fix the leak. 

Fortunately, you can prevent drainage issues by checking your drainage pipes on humid days. You must ensure that the water smoothly travels through the drainage system. On the other hand, contact your Legacy Heating and Cooling air conditioner technician for an assessment if your unit has a clogged drain pipe. 

5. Low Refrigerant Levels

Low refrigerant levels can also cause your air conditioner to freeze because they will stiffen the evaporator coils. Your cooling unit’s refrigerant can run low if holes or cracks in your coils cause the leak. 

Switch off your air conditioner immediately and contact Legacy Heating and Cooling if you suspect a leak in your cooling unit. 

Final Thoughts

Whether your air conditioner has a malfunctioning fan or faulty drainage, immediately repairing these issues will reduce energy bills and ensure its long lifespan. 

Are you looking for a company to fix your air conditioner in Edmonton or Calgary? Legacy Heating offers high-quality installation, replacement, and repair services for your cooling unit. Reach out now and get a free quote!