Home › Common Problems › AC Unit Freezing Up
AC Unit Freezing Up
in Garland, TX
When ice forms on your indoor or outdoor AC unit, the system has stopped working the way it should. This happens in Garland mostly because of restricted airflow or a refrigerant problem. If you keep running a frozen unit, the liquid refrigerant can slug back into the compressor and destroy it.
Quick Answer
A frozen AC unit in Garland usually means airflow is blocked or refrigerant is low, and the coil drops below freezing instead of just cooling the air. Turn the unit off and let it thaw, then call (361) 338-5229 before turning it back on. Running a frozen unit burns out the compressor, which is a much bigger repair.
Telltale Signs
Warning Signs to Watch For
- Visible ice on the copper lines running to the outdoor unit
- Ice coating the indoor air handler cabinet
- Weak airflow from all vents in the house
- Water puddling on the floor near the indoor unit after the ice melts
- AC runs but no cool air comes out
Root Causes
What Causes AC Unit Freezing Up?
Blocked Airflow From Dirty Filter
When the air filter gets clogged, not enough warm air passes over the evaporator coil. The coil gets too cold and moisture in the air freezes onto it. Garland homes with pets or near construction on President George Bush Turnpike pull more dust and debris, clogging filters faster than the usual 90-day change schedule.
The Fix
Filter Replacement and Airflow Inspection
Replace the filter and let the unit thaw completely before restarting. A technician checks every vent and return air grille for obstructions to make sure airflow is even throughout the house.
Low Refrigerant Charge
When refrigerant is low, pressure in the coil drops and the coil temperature falls well below freezing. Moisture in the air freezes on contact. This is a common finding in Garland homes where systems are 10 or more years old and connections have worked loose from years of expansion and contraction in the heat.
The Fix
Leak Repair and Refrigerant Recharge
The technician finds the leak, repairs it, and brings the system back to the correct refrigerant level. A properly charged system holds coil temperature in the right range and will not freeze.
Broken or Stuck Blower Fan
The blower fan inside the air handler is what pushes warm air across the coil. If the motor fails or the wheel gets coated in grime, airflow drops sharply and the coil freezes. In older homes in the Lakeview neighborhood, blower motors from the early 2000s are reaching the end of their service life.
The Fix
Blower Motor Replacement
A failed motor gets replaced with a compatible unit. Once airflow is restored to the correct volume, the coil stays in the normal operating temperature range.
Self-Diagnosis
Which Cause Applies to You?
Check the signs you're observing to narrow down the likely root cause before your inspection.
| What You're Seeing | Blocked Airflow From Dirty Filter | Low Refrigerant Charge | Broken or Stuck Blower Fan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filter was not changed in over 3 months | |||
| Ice present even with a fresh filter installed | |||
| Blower fan noise stopped or changed | |||
| Water puddle under the indoor unit | |||
| System froze up once before and was recharged |
Free Inspection
Get a Diagnosis in Garland
An on-site inspection is the only way to confirm which cause applies to your property. Free, no obligation.
(361) 338-5229Free on-site inspection
Written estimate before work starts
Serving Garland & surrounding areas
Other Problems
Services That Fix This
Also Helpful