A frozen outside AC unit is definitely not normal—and it’s a problem you’ll want to fix fast. This issue can leave you feeling uncomfortable, especially during the hot months in Euless, TX. If you’re wondering, “Why is my outdoor AC unit frozen in winter?” you’ve come to the right place.
Understanding the causes and how to safely address them is essential. In this post, one of the top-rated companies for AC services in Euless, TX, Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating, explores the reasons behind a frozen outside AC unit.
Reasons for a Frozen AC Unit
Your AC is freezing up because something’s making the refrigerant get too cold. This causes the evaporator coil (inside) or condenser coil (outside) to freeze. Several issues with your AC can lead to the refrigerant temperatures dropping too much, causing the system to freeze up.
Low Refrigerant Levels
When your AC’s refrigerant is low, a refrigerant leak is the most likely culprit. As a result, the refrigerant can’t absorb heat from your home like it’s supposed to. This causes the refrigerant inside the system to get too cold, which can result in coil freezing.
As the coils freeze, moisture in the air turns to ice and creates a thick layer that blocks air from flowing through. Your AC then has to work overtime just to do its job. If you ignore it, that ice will eventually melt and could clog up your drainage or result in other system issues.
Obstructed Air Vents
When air can’t flow freely through the vents because it’s blocked by furniture, curtains, or other items, your AC struggles to pull in the warm air it needs to work properly. As a result, the evaporator coil that’s meant to grab heat from the air doesn’t get enough warm air flowing over it.
Without proper airflow, the coil gets too cold, and you end up with an outdoor AC unit frozen in winter. Your AC needs those vents clear to pump cool air throughout your home and keep you comfortable without working overtime.
A Clogged Air Filter
A clogged air filter can mess with your AC’s cooling power. When the filter is blocked, air can’t flow over the evaporator coil like it should. This causes the refrigerant inside to get too cold and freeze up. When that happens, it can freeze the outside unit too.
Remember to replace dirty filters regularly to avoid this problem. If your AC unit keeps freezing, call in an expert for a comprehensive diagnosis.
Blocked or Leaky Ductwork
When your ducts are blocked or have leaks, they mess up the airflow to your AC unit. This poor airflow forces your AC to work way harder than it should. When this happens in winter, all that extra strain can actually make the coils freeze up completely.
It’s a common problem that starts with simple duct issues but can lead to a totally frozen outdoor unit. Keeping ducts clear helps your AC run smoothly.
Dirty Evaporator Coil
When dust and dirt coat your AC’s evaporator coil, they block warm air from flowing over it. The refrigerant inside the coil is designed to absorb that warm air—but when it can’t get enough warm air, it just keeps getting colder and colder until ice forms on the coil.
When you have an outdoor AC unit frozen in winter, the ice doesn’t just stay in one spot; the ice buildup can creep through the entire system and even freeze up the unit sitting outside your house.
When to Call a Professional
If you have consistent issues with your AC and thawing doesn’t seem to help, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A frozen unit often signals a bigger problem, like low refrigerant, dirty coils, or electrical issues.
These are not things you should try to fix yourself—they require a professional touch to properly defrost and address the underlying cause. A technician from Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating can quickly identify and fix the problem, ensuring your system works efficiently.
If thawing wasn’t done properly, we’ll inspect your unit to make sure there’s no additional damage.
Call Our HVAC Professionals to Get Your AC Unit Back in Proper Working Condition
Whether you’re dealing with an outdoor AC unit frozen in winter or an AC blowing warm air, don’t stress. At Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating, we make AC repairs easy and stress-free.
Don’t let a frozen AC cause more headaches—call us today for fast, reliable repairs to get your AC unit working seamlessly.