How To Fix Your Frozen Air Conditioner Line

A frozen air conditioner line is a common issue. HVAC problems can be caused by many things, but in most cases, there are common reasons why your AC line is frozen.  You may notice your AC isn’t working when you turn it on, and it is not cooling your home. So what is the root of this frozen air conditioning? 

A frozen AC line is a symptom of an even larger problem occurring, which can lead to more expense down the road. The first step to take: shut your air conditioner off and set the thermostat to FAN mode. After completing that first step, follow these tips to investigate the reason it’s not working and ways to fix your frozen air conditioner line. 

Causes Of A Frozen AC

Evaporator coils getting too cold is the main reason your AC lines are freezing. These evaporator coils are filled with refrigerant, this cools the air in your HVAC system. The evaporator is supposed to absorb the heat from the air and provide a cooling effect. 

When there is a problem, the heat exchange process can be damaged, this causes your evaporator coil to absorb less heat producing ice on the coils. You will notice your AC isn’t cooling even when it is running, this is because the ice accumulated on the refrigerant line. 

Possible Reasons Your AC Line Is Frozen 

• Refrigerant leaks from the evaporator coils
• Dirt has accumulated over the coils
• AC vents are blocked
• Air filters are clogged
• Blow fan has failed
• Air ducts have collapsed 
• Refrigerant levels are low

Way To Fix Your Frozen AC

If your AC lines are frozen, the problem needs to be troubleshot. These solutions below can resolve the issues temporarily; then a professional will be required to diagnose the root cause. 

1. Turn The AC Off And Switch To Fan Mode

Switching the AC to fan mode will give it a chance to cool off, allowing warm air from your home to circulate through the system. Wait 3-4 hours before restarting the system, if the AC freezes when you turn it back on, call a professional for air conditioning services. 

2. Check For A Dirty Air Filter

If the air filter is clogged, your HVAC system may be damaged and your air conditioner may freeze. Check and ensure the filter is clean. The root of your problem could be a clogged air filter which interrupts the air flow in your system. 

3. Check For Any Blocked Return or Supply Vents

The vents that distribute the cold air to your home are called supply vents. If these vents are closed or blocked, airflow can be restricted causing an issue in the heat exchange process. Opening all of the vents, even the ones in unused rooms, allows the flow of warm air to move over the evaporator coils. 

Serious Problems That Require Additional Investigation 

If the solutions above don’t improve your AC, call a professional. There are likely additional issues that cannot be resolved without the help of a professional. 

The root cause of your frozen air conditioner could be a simple fix, or a deeper issue. However, the tips above are temporary solutions, and it is always in the best interest of your AC to call a professional and ensure there aren’t more underlying issues. If there is a deeper problem left unresolved, greater expenses can incur in the future. Living Waters provides air conditioning services; visit our website to learn more.