If you’ve ever had to deal with an air conditioner or heat pump that has frozen over, you’re certainly not alone. This is a fairly common issue for homeowners in Dallas, TX to experience. AC units will visibly ice up in two places. The first place you might find ice is on the copper refrigerant lines leading into your indoor or outdoor unit and the second is on the indoor evaporator coil itself.
Ice Accumulation Can Affect Your HVAC System in a Few Ways
Your AC or heat pump will not cool your home nearly as well because the ice buildup won’t allow as much air to pass through. What’s more, the ice buildup on the indoor coil can cause a leak when it begins to melt. This could cause damage to the ceiling, flooring, etc. if the condensate pan or drains overflow or are backed up. You should be aware that if your equipment has emergency shutoff switches and the condensate pan or drains overflow, the unit will shut off automatically.
What Could Cause Your AC Equipment to Freeze Over?
- Dirty air filter
- Low refrigerant levels
- Indoor blower motor malfunctioning
- Malfunctioning dampers (if you have a central HVAC system with zoning capabilities)
- Air restrictions (if there isn’t enough air passing through the evaporator coil, it will get too cold and begin to form ice)
What If Your AC Unit Is Already Iced Up?
First things first, check your air filter. If it is visibly dirty and clogged, replace it. Then, turn the system off while leaving the fan running via the thermostat for a couple of hours to allow the ice to melt and turn it back on. If the air filter is clean and has been changed recently, contact your trusted AC professional immediately to schedule a service call. Any other potential causes will also be best checked by one of our licensed AC professionals during our inspection of your system.
Ways to Avoid Having Your AC System Ice Up
To begin with, change your air filters regularly. Experts recommend doing so at least once every 1-3 months. Next, have a licensed AC professional perform seasonal preventive maintenance each year. It’s a good idea to make sure the drain pan below the indoor evaporator coil completely covers the entirety of the coil to avoid water damage if the unit ices up.
Additionally, you can have one of our licensed AC professionals install primary and secondary emergency shutoff switches to avoid damage to your home caused by leaks in case your condensate lines become backed up. Paying attention to your HVAC equipment and staying proactive about addressing issues early on is always your best bet.
Reliable HVAC Repair and Maintenance Services
If your air conditioner or heat pump becomes iced over and you need professional help, Quality 1 Energy Systems Heating & Air Conditioning is here for you. One of our service technicians will thoroughly inspect your system, diagnose the cause of the problem, and make the necessary adjustments. Give us a call today to schedule your appointment.
