IS YOUR AC LINE FROZEN? DIAGNOSIS & NEXT STEPS

August 21, 2024

It’s a hot day, but that’s okay. Air conditioning saves the day again throughout the hot summer, and it doesn’t matter how high the temperature climbs outside as long as you can escape the heat by taking a break inside.

Uh-oh. What if it starts feeling a bit toastier than it should? Is there cold air coming out of the vents? Your home can’t be your chilly oasis if the AC isn’t doing its job.

What’s the problem? Is your AC line frozen? It’s possible. This piece will help you diagnose a frozen AC pipe and give you the next steps to achieve cooling relief.

Can’t wait? We don’t blame you. Reach out to Aksarben to find out for sure what’s going on and let the experts fix the issue.

HOW TO TELL IF YOUR AC LINE IS FROZEN

You’re probably here because your air conditioning isn’t working correctly. If so, this is an excellent place to start. If warm air comes out of your vents, it may indicate a frozen AC line. You might also notice that the airflow seems much weaker.

The other main sign you might encounter is ice on the exterior of your outdoor unit or on the condenser coils. This is never a good sign. It may point toward ice inside the AC line as well.

If your AC pipe is frozen, these indicators will help point you in the right direction, but the most efficient way to diagnose the issue is to call the professionals. It’s the surefire way to know what’s going on and fix the problem as soon as possible.

WHY DO AC LINES FREEZE?

So, you’re pretty confident you have a frozen AC line. What’s happening? Why is your AC line frozen? The best bet is that something has restricted the airflow in your system. These are the most common reasons for restricted airflow:

Dirty air filter: This issue is the most straightforward to identify and deal with—allowing you to possibly fix your frozen AC yourself. You should change or clean your AC air filter at least once a month to prevent a dirty air filter from blocking airflow.
Closed or blocked vents: Have you ever heard that you should close the vents in rooms you don’t use often to reduce your energy bill? It wasn’t an HVAC expert who told you that. Blocked and closed vents leave cold air without a place to escape, which can lead to a frozen AC pipe.
Clogged evaporator coil: The evaporator coil is a crucial AC component, and if it gets too dirty or clogged with debris, it greatly impacts the system’s ability to cool you down. It can also contribute to your AC line freezing.

The other primary possibility is that you have a refrigerant leak. If you see any indications of leaking, reach out to HVAC professionals right away. Freon and other refrigerants contain toxic chemicals, so you’ll need to turn to the pros for help.

WHAT TO DO NEXT

Let’s be honest: Your best call is almost always going to be to pursue AC repair services. While certain basic maintenance issues with your AC can be addressed on your own, you’re probably only looking at a temporary or partial patch and not a long-term solution. HVAC professionals can quickly identify the problem and provide a thorough, efficient fix that puts your system in good working order for years.

Can you fix a frozen AC pipe yourself? It depends on the issue. The steps for how to fix a frozen AC line vary depending on the situation. Here’s what you can do on your own.

1. EXAMINE THE AC UNIT

Even if you end up calling the pros, you can use the guidance we’ve provided in this post to get a better idea of the issue. Look around the unit's exterior for signs of ice or a refrigerant leak. If you feel comfortable doing so, you can shut off the power to your air conditioning and remove the cover to get a better look at what you’re dealing with.

2. CLEAR AWAY DEBRIS

As you’ve read throughout this guide, unobstructed airflow is essential to your AC unit working correctly. If you open up your unit and see debris like sticks or leaves, clear that gunk out to the best of your ability. If bushes or other foliage are encroaching on your AC area, trim them back to keep debris from clogging up the works in the future.

3. REPLACE YOUR AIR FILTER

We mentioned this above, but it bears repeating: If you don’t regularly replace your air filter, you’ll suffer reduced efficiency at the very least, and it may even lead to your AC line freezing. This is a straightforward DIY step you can take regularly, and while it won’t solve all your potential problems, it does make a difference.

Those are a few basic maintenance tips for getting your AC to stop freezing, but recurrent issues probably necessitate a service call.

CONTACT AKSARBEN FOR PROFESSIONAL HELP

Residents of Omaha and the surrounding communities know precisely what to do with a frozen AC line: Schedule a service call with Aksarben. We’re your premier choice for cooling, heating, and plumbing in eastern Nebraska.