During the middle of a hot Herriman summer, the last thing any homeowner wants is for their AC unit to stop blowing cold air. One common issue that can interrupt your cooling system’s performance is freezing. This might seem strange, especially with outdoor temperatures climbing into the 90s, but freezing is a well-known issue for air conditioners. Most people notice it when warm air comes from the vents, only to later find ice forming around the evaporator coil.
This problem doesn’t usually fix itself and has a way of showing up when you need your AC the most. If you’ve ever had to deal with a frozen AC unit, you know it slows down your entire household. Whether you’re suddenly sweating through the afternoon or dealing with restless nights, it quickly becomes obvious that something needs to change. Understanding why your system froze in the first place is the first step toward keeping your home more comfortable through the heat.
Common Causes Of AC Units Freezing Up
Freezing in an AC system can be traced back to a few common issues. Knowing what might be causing the ice buildup helps you avoid delays or more costly problems down the line.
1. Low Refrigerant Levels
Air conditioners rely on refrigerant to absorb heat from the air inside your home. When your system starts to run low, often due to a leak, it affects the pressure within the components. Low pressure reduces the temperature in the evaporator coil, which can cause moisture in the air to freeze on the coil’s surface. Over time, the ice builds up and blocks airflow, causing the system to run less efficiently or stop working altogether.
2. Poor Airflow
A lack of airflow is another big reason units freeze up. Without enough warm air blowing over the evaporator coil, the coil stays too cold and begins to freeze. Common causes of poor airflow include:
– Dirty or clogged air filters
– Blocked return vents
– Leaky ducts
– Closed or obstructed registers
Even something as simple as keeping multiple interior doors closed can make it harder for air to circulate properly.
3. Thermostat or Sensor Issues
If your thermostat isn’t reading indoor temperatures correctly, it may cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary. Similarly, broken or misaligned sensors inside the unit can cause the cooling cycle to operate at the wrong times. Both of these issues can result in freezing, especially during early morning or overnight hours when outside temperatures drop a little but the system continues cooling unnecessarily.
Spotting these causes early can help you avoid long-term damage to your system. In most cases, frozen AC units require more than just turning the unit off and back on. That’s why it’s important to dig a little deeper before restarting the system.
Immediate Steps To Take When Your AC Freezes
If your AC unit in Herriman suddenly freezes, there are a few things you can do right away to prevent further damage. Acting fast can also help your system recover quicker while you wait for professionals to take a closer look.
– Turn Off the AC: The first and most important step is to stop the unit from running. Switch off the thermostat and give the system time to thaw. Running it while frozen can lead to bigger problems, including a damaged compressor.
– Change the Air Filter: Check if the air filter is dirty or clogged. A blocked filter severely limits airflow, which is one of the major causes of freezing. Fresh filters keep air moving and reduce strain on the system.
– Inspect Vents and Registers: Make sure supply and return vents are open and unblocked. Items like furniture, rugs, or closed doors can cut off proper circulation. A good flow of air supports healthy system performance.
– Look for Obvious Leaks: While refrigerant issues should only be handled by trained professionals, signs of leaks such as hissing sounds or oily residue near lines are worth noting before technicians arrive.
– Avoid Restarting Too Soon: If ice is still present or the unit hasn’t fully dried out, running it again could lead to repeated freezing or even short-cycling.
While these actions might get you through a short-term cooling emergency, they don’t solve the deeper issue. It’s always a good idea to follow up with a full inspection afterward to make sure nothing serious is going on with your AC system.
Long-Term Solutions To Prevent Future Freezing
Once you’ve handled the immediate concern and gotten your cooling back, it’s time to focus on avoiding another freeze-up. Most long-term solutions come down to regular upkeep and system awareness.
1. Schedule Regular Maintenance
Preventative maintenance is one of the most effective ways to keep your AC running well throughout the summer. Simple yearly checkups go a long way in identifying small issues before they turn into full system failures. A full professional service includes checking the refrigerant level, inspecting the evaporator coil, and making sure parts are clean and functional.
2. Improve Sealing and Insulation
If your home lets in a lot of outside heat through windows, doors, or attic spaces, your AC will need to work longer and harder. This can increase the chance of freezing. Sealing drafty spots and improving insulation in key areas lightens the workload on your AC system and helps it run more efficiently.
3. Monitor Refrigerant Levels
Low refrigerant shouldn’t happen under normal conditions. If it does, it’s often a sign of a leak. Regular checks during tune-ups can track refrigerant levels and keep the system balanced. Never try to handle refrigerant yourself. It can be dangerous without the right tools and training.
By combining these steps, homeowners in Herriman can lessen the risk of their systems freezing again and improve overall cooling performance. Preventative efforts now can save you time and money later.
When To Call Our Professionals In Herriman For AC Repair
Not every frozen unit can be solved with simple steps. If your AC keeps freezing or stops cooling after multiple resets, it’s time to get help. The problems might be deeper than surface airflow or filter issues.
Common signs that point to the need for repair include:
– Ice returns even after letting the system defrost
– Warm air keeps blowing despite the unit being on
– Water starts leaking around the base of the indoor unit
– Unusual clicking or hissing sounds from the system
Our professionals in Herriman are trained to find the root cause of freeze-ups, whether it’s a failing part, a broken sensor, or an undetected refrigerant leak. Trying to fix these issues on your own often results in more damage or safety concerns. Proper repairs ensure you’re not just treating the symptoms but resolving the source of the problem.
Trusting experienced technicians also means you’ll get helpful insights into how your specific system works and what can be done to avoid similar problems in the future. By investing in accurate, skilled repairs now, you protect your home’s comfort when it’s needed most.
Keeping Your Home Comfortable All Summer Long
AC units freezing up during Herriman’s summers are more than just a sign of wear. They’re a warning that something in the system is out of balance. Whether it’s restricted airflow, low refrigerant, or faulty controls, these issues don’t often go away by themselves. Addressing the causes head-on is the key to keeping your AC from freezing up again.
Even if swapping out a filter or closing a few doors brings temporary relief, repeated freezing means something deeper. It’s better to fix it properly the first time, so your home remains cool and reliable all season long. With the right steps and support, you won’t have to worry about your AC quitting when you need it most.
If recurring issues with your frozen AC unit persist, it may be time to consider AC repair in Herriman to prevent further damage and ensure your home stays cool during the sweltering summer. At First Choice Heating & Air, we understand the frustration of malfunctioning AC systems and the importance of prompt, professional care. Regular checkups and timely repairs can help you avoid costly emergencies and extend the lifespan of your unit. For a quick estimate or to book a service visit, please contact us today.
