If your air conditioner is running but your home feels warmer than it should, a frozen system could be the cause. Ice buildup on an AC unit prevents proper heat transfer, limits airflow, and often leads to water leaks once the ice melts.
Luckily, there are a few safe steps you can take right away, and knowing when to call a professional for AC repair in Portland can help limit damage and restore proper operation.
Signs Your Air Conditioner Is Frozen
A frozen air conditioner doesn’t always look like a block of ice at first. Signs to look out for include:
- Visible ice on the indoor unit, refrigerant lines, or outdoor condenser
- Reduced airflow from vents
- Warm air blowing even though the system is running
- Water pooling around the unit once the ice begins to melt
Why Air Conditioners Freeze Up
Restricted Airflow
Air conditioners rely on steady airflow to keep temperatures balanced inside the system. When airflow becomes restricted, the evaporator coil can get too cold and begin to freeze.
Dirty air filters, blocked vents, or issues with the blower fan are some common culprits. Even small airflow problems can create the right conditions for ice to form.
Low Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant is in charge of regulating pressure and temperature as your system cools your home. If refrigerant levels drop, often due to a leak, the pressure inside the system changes, which can cause the evaporator coil to freeze over.
Refrigerant-related problems should always be handled by trained technicians, as they require specialized tools and expertise.
Other System Issues
Frozen AC units can also result from dirty evaporator coils, thermostat malfunctions, or ductwork problems that interfere with proper airflow. While the visible signs may look the same, the root cause can differ from one home to another.
Repeated freezing is a signal that the system needs a professional evaluation rather than a temporary fix.
What to Do Immediately If Your AC Freezes Up
The first step is to turn off the air conditioner. Continuing to run a frozen system can cause damage to components and increase repair costs.
Next, switch the system’s fan setting to “On” to help move warm air across the frozen coil and speed up the thawing process. Avoid trying to chip away ice manually, as it can damage delicate parts.
Check the air filter once the system is off. A clogged or dirty filter is often the cause and replacing it may resolve the issue. Allow the unit to fully thaw before restarting; the process can take several hours depending on the amount of ice buildup.
Patience here matters, as restarting too soon can cause the problem to return.
How to Prevent Your AC from Freezing Again
- Replace air filters regularly to maintain proper airflow
- Keep supply and return vents open and free of obstructions
- Schedule routine professional maintenance to catch issues early
- Address small performance changes before they lead to freezing
- Keep the area around indoor and outdoor units clean and unobstructed
Schedule Trusted AC Repair in Portland with A-TEMP
For dependable electrical service, turn to A-TEMP. We provide AC installation, maintenance, and repairs backed by over 50 years of experience. Contact our team today to schedule quality service for your home or business!
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Quality Service That Will Make You Smile
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A-TEMP Heating, Cooling & Electrical came recommended from a friend who is a current inspector. I've used them for years for furnace and AC maintenance. Their customer service is excellent—helpful, friendly, and persistent in scheduling my maintenance. I appreciate that they've never pushed to replace my old furnace but instead helped me decide when to repair or replace without being pushy about sales. Finding trustworthy repair folks is hard, and I highly recommend them. You won't be disappointed.
A-TEMP Heating, Cooling & Electrical goes above and beyond to take care of their customers. I've been a customer for years and am impressed with the technicians and office staff. The fact that this is a family business is also a plus. Thank you.
A-TEMP Heating, Cooling & Electrical did a wonderful job. They were on time, wore shoe coverings, and worked diligently. They replaced our air filter and an electrical part under warranty, explaining everything clearly. The work was clean and professional, and the team was congenial and pleasant.
Everyone we’ve dealt with has been polite, positive, and very courteous. A-TEMP Heating, Cooling & Electrical quickly replaced our furnace during the coldest part of a snowy winter. Other companies couldn’t get out for 1-2 weeks, but A-TEMP assessed it the same day and replaced it in 2 days. Can’t say enough great things about this company!
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