Air conditioners provide cool air to lower the room temperature, but a frozen AC unit would malfunction, causing the unit to blow warm air instead. When air conditioners freeze, they impede the flow of cool air into the room, making the unit generally unusable.
In Singapore, where cooling is a daily necessity, a frozen aircon can disrupt work-from-home setups, make sleeping uncomfortable, and even affect business operations in offices and retail spaces.
In this article, we'll check the 5 most common reasons for an AC unit freezing up and tips to prevent your air conditioner from freezing at all. As always, we recommend checking your AC by one of our professional HVAC technician teams for the best possible aircon servicing!
5 Reasons Your AC Unit is Freezing Up
Reason #1 Dirty Air Filter
The most common reason for an air conditioner freezing amongst our client in Singapore, is a dirty air filter. When the filter accumulates dust and debris, it can block proper airflow going in and out of the air conditioning system. This causes an air conditioner to freeze up as the cooled air cannot escape properly, and the condensation around the unit freezes.
Reason #2 Low Refrigerant
The refrigerant is what cools the warm air that goes into the air conditioning unit. When the refrigerant levels are low, the evaporator and condenser coils freeze up as a result of cold air running through the inside of the air conditioner. This may be the cause of a frozen air conditioner, particularly if you have refrigerant leaks.
Reason #3 Poor Airflow
Poor airflow coming in and out of your air conditioner is another cause for a frozen AC unit. Poor airflow is an indication of a problem with the air filters, blower fan, or other internal parts of the AC unit. Cooled or heated air cannot properly pass through the AC system, causing the unit to freeze.
Reason #4 Dirty Evaporator Coil
If your AC unit has not been professionally cleaned in a long time, it may freeze up due to dirt, dust, and debris forming around the evaporator coil. This causes a layer of dust that acts like an insulator around the evaporator coil, which causes cold condensate to get trapped within the unit and freeze.
Reason #5 Clogged Condensate Drain Line
The drain line is responsible for keeping the humidity out of air conditioners as the water is directed to the condensate drip tray instead. If the drain line is clogged, it can trap the humidity within the AC unit, causing the air conditioner to freeze.
What to Do When Your AC Unit Freezes Up
Step 1: Let the Ice Thaw
The first step to fixing a frozen aircon is to let the ice thaw completely. Turn off your air conditioner immediately to prevent further damage and allow the ice on the evaporator coil to melt naturally. This process can take several hours, so be patient. It’s important not to try to chip away the ice, as this can damage the delicate coils and lead to costly repairs.
Step 2: Dry the Evaporator Coils
Once the ice has melted, the next step is to dry the evaporator coils. Excess moisture left on the coils can cause further issues, especially in Singapore’s humid climate, where mold and mildew can quickly develop. You can let the unit air-dry naturally or use a clean, dry cloth to remove any lingering moisture.
Step 3: Check the Air Filter
After drying the coils, check the air filter, as a dirty or clogged filter is one of the most common reasons for AC freezing. A blocked filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze. If the filter is dirty, cleaning or replacing it can restore proper airflow and prevent further issues. This is particularly important in Singapore’s dusty environment, where air filters tend to get clogged faster than in other regions.
Step 4: Inspect the Vent
Next, inspect the air vents to ensure they are open and unobstructed. Blocked or closed vents reduce airflow, making it harder for your aircon to function properly. If you have a centralized AC system, ensure that no furniture or curtains are blocking the vents, as this can contribute to freezing issues.
Step 5: Turn On the AC Again
Once the unit is dry and the airflow is restored, turn the AC back on and observe its performance. If it starts freezing up again, there may be a deeper issue, such as a refrigerant leak or a malfunctioning blower motor. In such cases, it’s best to contact a professional aircon technician to diagnose and fix the problem before it leads to more serious damage.
How to Prevent AC Unit Freezing Up?
Proper maintenance and care are essential to prevent your air conditioner from freezing. Here are some key steps to ensure your unit stays in top condition!
- Clean the Air Filter Regularly: A clogged air filter restricts airflow, leading to ice buildup. To prevent this, clean the filter frequently, especially if you live near a construction site or busy area in Singapore.
- Top Up Refrigerant Levels: Refrigerant is a crucial component of your air conditioning system that ensures efficient cooling. Low refrigerant levels can cause the evaporator coil to freeze, so it’s important to schedule regular gas top-ups during maintenance.
If you suspect a refrigerant leak, contact Luce Aircon for a professional inspection and repair.
- Schedule Regular Aircon Maintenance: General servicing should be done at least once every six months to prevent freezing issues and prolong the unit’s lifespan. During maintenance, technicians can check evaporator coils, fan motors, and refrigerant levels, ensuring each component functions properly.
- Ensure Vents Are Clear: Blocked vents reduce airflow, increasing the risk of freezing. Regularly inspect both indoor and outdoor vents, using a flashlight to check for dust and debris. Keep the vents clean with a long-bristled brush to ensure smooth air circulation.
By following these steps, you can prevent your AC unit from freezing and keep it running efficiently!
The Big Freeze
It is not uncommon to see a frozen AC, but it indicates an ongoing issue with your unit that needs to be addressed immediately. In Singapore, where air conditioning is critical for daily life, scheduling regular maintenance helps prevent problems and reduces the high cost of emergency repairs. Thus, to keep your aircon working well for years to come, regular service is important.
Wait no more and call us today to discuss an appointment date that works with your schedule!
Check out our article on flashing red and green light on aircon unit!
