Why Is My AC Freezing Up in Colorado’s Dry Heat? Common Causes and What to Do

Given Colorado’s dry weather, having your air conditioner freeze can feel especially unusual. Unfortunately, you may deal with ACs freezing up in any type of climate. This is typically related to internal system issues and malfunctions, not the region’s external humidity. 

No matter what the cause is, it’s essential to reach out for professional help right away. If the problem remains undiagnosed and unrepaired, it can worsen and lead to significant damage. Maintain your comfort during Littleton and Denver’s warm summers by reaching out to Elkhorn Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical’s experienced technicians right away!

Low Airflow: The Most Common Culprit

The most common reason for an AC freezing up is AC airflow issues. These types of issues can happen because of dirty air filters in ACs, closed registers, blocked return vents, and collapsed ductwork.

When airflow is low, the refrigerant in your coils gets too cold. This leads to condensation forming around the coils. As a result of the coil’s low temperature, this condensation eventually freezes.

To prevent AC coil from freezing, start by cleaning or changing out dirty air filters. Then, clear the vents and make sure your registers aren’t blocked. By removing airflow issues, you ensure heat transfer happens in the coils and avoid ice buildup.

Low Refrigerant Levels

Why is my AC freezing up? If airflow isn’t the issue, it may be related to low refrigerant levels. When you have low refrigerant in an AC, the pressure level is lower, and the refrigerant absorbs less heat from the air. Basically, low pressure causes the refrigerant to evaporate at a lower temperature. 

In turn, this causes condensation around the refrigerant lines. As the air conditioner’s icing up continues, the AC’s efficiency declines even more. Eventually, the frozen AC lines can worsen so much that the AC completely stops working. 

The main way to solve this problem is by scheduling a professional AC repair in Littleton. Low refrigerant occurs when there is a leak, so you need to have your refrigerant lines inspected and repaired. Afterward, one of our certified technicians can recharge the refrigerant.

Dirty Evaporator Coils

Another reason why you may have frozen AC lines is related to your evaporator coils. If your coils accumulate dirt and grime, they won’t let the coils transfer heat properly. The dirt functions like an insulator, which prevents the lines from absorbing heat. Eventually, the coils freeze, which prevents your AC from being able to cool your home.

Fortunately, a Denver AC tune-up can help you quickly return your AC to its original condition. A professional HVAC technician can clean the indoor coils, ensuring that they can absorb heat properly. In the future, you can protect your evaporator coils by changing your filter regularly and scheduling consistent HVAC tune-ups.

Malfunctioning Blower Motor

If your AC’s not cooling in Colorado, it’s a good idea to get a professional inspection and repairs. Sometimes, the underlying cause is the blower motor, which requires professional mechanical skills and experience to repair.

When the blower motor is malfunctioning, it may not move enough air across the coil. In turn, this prevents the coil from transferring heat and leads to the AC freezing up. 

In order to resolve this problem, you need a professional inspection. Then, one of our team members can quickly repair or replace the blower motor so that your AC stops freezing up repeatedly.

Blocked Condensate Drain Line

When it comes to dry heat and AC problems, blocked condensate drain lines may be responsible. Basically, a clog can occur inside the line, which prevents water from leaving your system. Water can back up around your evaporator coils. In some cases, if water backs up near cold evaporator coils and airflow is already compromised, it can contribute to coil freezing.

For easy AC troubleshooting in Denver, start by trying to clear out the clog using a vinegar or bleach mixture. However, this may only work for minor clogs. If cleaning the drain line doesn’t remove the clog or the problem keeps returning, you should reach out to one of our HVAC technicians for professional help.

Thermostat Issues

A faulty thermostat can lead to the evaporator becoming too cold, causing the AC to freeze. Incorrectly setting the thermostat to have the fan on during humid conditions can sometimes cause a frozen AC, but this issue occurs infrequently in Colorado’s dry air. However, sensor issues and other setting-related problems can lead to an AC freezing up.

If this problem occurs, you should start by checking your thermostat settings. You may also want to wipe off any sensors. If you keep having this issue, you may also want to consider upgrading to a smart thermostat. Our team of HVAC technicians can evaluate your existing thermostat and recommend which thermostat installations or repairs make the most sense for your situation.

Ductwork Leaks or Undersized Ducts

Another reason for the air conditioner icing up is ductwork leaks. If you have leaky or undersized ducts, it can reduce the amount of air that is reaching your rooms. 

When air isn’t getting to your rooms, your AC has to stay on longer to produce more cold air. Eventually, this extended cycle can cause the AC to freeze. 

If ductwork is the problem, it’s a good idea to reach out for professional HVAC repair in Littleton. Once you contact our team, we can quickly arrive at your home to inspect your ducts for potential leaks or capacity issues. Then, we can seal your ducts, replace damaged sections, or make other modifications to help the ducts perform properly.

Operating AC in Too-Low Temperatures

If you run the AC in extremely cold temperatures, it can make the AC’s refrigerant colder than it is supposed to be. Eventually, it can cause the AC to freeze up. In general, most manufacturers recommend not operating the AC if outdoor temperatures are below 60°F.

The easiest solution for this problem is to simply stop operating the AC when the temperature is too cold. You can easily adjust your home’s thermostat to avoid running the AC in cold weather. From an energy-saving perspective, it’s always a good idea to avoid running the AC unless it is actually necessary to do so.

Is Your AC Frozen Solid? Get Expert Help From Elkhorn Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical in Denver & Littleton!

Whether you need AC maintenance plans in Littleton or emergency AC service, our team has you covered. From simple filter changes to advanced HVAC system diagnostics, the certified technicians at Elkhorn Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical can quickly determine why your AC is freezing up and find the best course of action.

Schedule your service call now!