Why is my AC system freezing up?

There are many reasons why your AC system freezes up.

Checking the air filter isn’t dusty and airflow isn’t lowered are the only things you can safely handle yourself. If you need to replace the filter, you can accelerate the thawing process by switching off the unit and using the fan. If you have a heat pump, you can turn it to heat mode until the ice is gone.

After the ice is gone, move the temperature back to normal. If your system freezes repeatedly, contact Abbey Air Home Services by Enercare to correct the issue.

Here are a few other reasons why your unit may be freezing up.

Not enough refrigerant—Freezing up can be created by a refrigerant leak.

What causes a leak?

  • Fragile solder joints
  • Friction from piping jarring against other parts
  • Cracked valves
  • Unsecured fittings

How long your system has been installed and the area of the leak play a part in whether you should repair or replace your AC system.

Filthy evaporator coil—Over time, the evaporator coil gets dirty and creates problems similar to a dusty filter. You’ll slowly receive lower airflow until your equipment freezes or quits cooling. You’ll need to contact Abbey Air Home Services by Enercare to repair the problem.

Broken blower motor or relay—A blower motor running at the wrong speed or not turning on at all can cause freezing. It can also be sporadic, going at top speed and slowing down after it heats up. Or a relay may force it to work one time and not the subsequent time. In either case, you will need to contact Abbey Air Home Services by Enercare to correct the issue.

Scheduling yearly AC maintenance could help you avoid this problem. Our pros will meticulously check and clean your unit, which typically allows us to pinpoint minor issues before they become major issues.