An air conditioner freezing up during the peak of summer in Clemmons can catch homeowners off guard. When your home is warm, but your AC coils are iced over, it’s clear something isn’t working as it should. Frozen parts not only stop your system from cooling properly, but they can also lead to mechanical stress and long-term damage if ignored. It’s a frustrating issue to face, especially when you’re counting on your system the most.
Several things can trigger this issue, some of which are simple and others that require a more serious fix. If your AC is blowing warm air, running constantly, or showing ice buildup on the indoor or outdoor units, it’s time to act quickly. Catching the early signs and knowing what steps to take can save both time and money while keeping your home cool and comfortable during hot summer months.
Common Causes of AC Freezing Up
A frozen AC unit usually means something is interfering with the airflow or refrigerant cycle. These two components must work properly to allow heat and moisture to exit your home. When they don’t, it can cause the coils to get too cold, resulting in ice buildup. Here are a few widespread causes to watch for if your system is freezing up in Clemmons.
– Restricted Airflow
One of the leading reasons an AC unit starts to freeze is poor airflow. Without enough air passing through, the system can’t absorb heat correctly, which causes excess moisture to freeze.
– Dirty or clogged air filters
They block air from flowing over the evaporator coils, leading to temperature drops and ice buildup.
– Vents and registers
Those that are covered by furniture or dust can also stop the free movement of air through your ductwork.
– Low Refrigerant Levels
Low refrigerant reduces the pressure inside the cooling system, causing the coils to drop below freezing temperature. This can cause condensation in the air to turn to ice rather than drain away. Look out for signs like bubbling or hissing noises or poor cooling performance, which often suggest a refrigerant leak.
– Thermostat Issues
If your thermostat is incorrectly set or malfunctioning, the system may keep running even after your home is cool enough. This kind of overuse can lead to freezing since the system never gets a chance to cycle off and regulate temperature efficiently.
One Clemmons homeowner noticed their vents blowing less and less cold air before realizing the entire indoor coil was covered with ice. The fix ended up being a simple filter change, but delaying action created more strain on the system than necessary. Even causes that seem minor can snowball into bigger repairs if not resolved quickly.
Steps to Take When Your AC Freezes Up
If your AC unit starts freezing, there are a few things you can do right away to limit damage. These steps can help the system reset and allow a technician to better diagnose the problem when they arrive.
1. Shut Off the Unit
Completely turn off your AC at the thermostat or breaker. This stops the cycle and gives the system a chance to thaw. Running a frozen system can damage the compressor or other internal parts, so it’s best to stop it right away.
2. Inspect and Replace the Air Filter
A dirty filter is one of the fastest ways to interrupt airflow. Check your filter and replace it if it looks packed with dust or debris. Ideally, filters should be replaced every 1 to 3 months, depending on your usage, home size, and if there are pets in the house.
3. Check for Blocked Vents
Walk through your home and make sure none of the supply or return vents are blocked by furniture, curtains, or rugs. Keep these areas clear so air can circulate freely.
These basic checks can help restore some balance to the system and give you a better understanding of what went wrong. While they won’t solve every problem, they reduce the stress on your cooling system and help prevent more serious failures. If your coils keep freezing up after taking these steps, there’s likely a deeper issue a technician needs to address.
Preventative Measures to Avoid AC Freezing Up
Once you’ve dealt with a frozen AC in the middle of summer, it’s clear how important prevention is. Scheduling routine care and staying on top of your AC system’s key components can make a big difference, especially during the hottest months in Clemmons. These measures help keep your unit performing as it should, and they reduce the chances of breakdowns or unnecessary wear.
– Regular AC Maintenance
Having your system professionally inspected at least once a year can head off many of the issues that cause freezing. During these checkups, our technicians clean coils, check airflow performance, and verify that all internal parts are operating correctly. Over time, dust builds up in places you can’t reach, such as the blower fan or evaporator coil. If left untouched, that buildup reduces air passage and contributes to icing problems.
– Proper Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant leaks can be tough to spot early, but an experienced technician will test for pressure drops and signs of moisture around the coil or lines. If levels are low, the cooling cycle will not regulate temperature properly, which can trigger freezing. Recharging the system is just a short-term fix unless leaks are found and repaired. That’s why checking refrigerant levels is an important part of preventive service.
– Thermostat Calibration
If the temperature reading on your thermostat is inaccurate, your system may overwork trying to meet the wrong goal. This can lead to long run times and drop indoor coil temperatures too low. Our professionals can test for calibration problems and, if needed, help you install a more modern thermostat with better accuracy and features to help regulate usage based on the actual indoor climate.
Let’s say you’ve just installed new furniture in a room and didn’t realize it partially blocked a return vent. That ventilation blockage, combined with a slightly dirty filter and an aging thermostat, could be enough to tip your AC into a freezing state on a hot July afternoon. Seasonal maintenance and quick attention to even small performance changes can help homeowners catch these overlaps before they become repairs.
Keep Your AC Running Smoothly During Clemmons Summers
AC freezing is something most Clemmons homeowners deal with at one point or another. Catching it early and resolving the root cause helps ensure your system stays reliable throughout the summer. Issues like poor airflow, low refrigerant, or inaccurate thermostat readings don’t tend to go away on their own. The faster they’re addressed, the less likely you’ll face costly repairs or long gaps in comfort when it matters most.
If your air conditioner has frozen up more than once this season or your vents seem weaker than usual, it’s time to schedule proper AC maintenance in Clemmons. Systems that are serviced annually not only run more efficiently, but they’re also more likely to cool your home without interruption when the temperature climbs. Keeping your cooling equipment tuned and tested is one of the smartest ways to avoid problems before they disrupt your summer.
Ensure your cooling system stays reliable all summer long with expert service from Blown Away HVAC. With routine AC maintenance in Clemmons, you can catch small issues early and help your unit run more efficiently when you need it most. For a quick estimate or to book a service visit, please contact us today.
