It may seem strange that your air conditioner is freezing up in the heat of a Florida summer; however, the problem is a common one. It can also be quite expensive as freezing can damage the compressor, which is expensive to repair.
Why Does My A/C Freeze?
Freezing can result from a variety of problems, including:
- Leaking refrigerant
- Undercharged refrigerant
- Airflow restriction
- A malfunctioning blower
- Problems with the thermostat or control board
How Humidity Can Result in Ice Buildup
Florida summers can be unbearably humid and your air conditioner’s job is to provide you with relief from the moist heat outside with the cool air that it blows into your home. When it is functioning properly, it will make your home more comfortable but it may not be able to do this if there is an issue with freezing. The moisture in the air can condense on the evaporator coils and result in ice building up. That ice can cause stress on your compressor and lead to your air conditioner shutting down.
If there is ice present, you will probably have to call a professional to take a look at your unit; however, there are a few steps you should take first:
- Turn the air conditioner off so that it can defrost.
- Check the filter.
- Replace the filter if it is dirty.
- Call a professional if the filter replacement does not solve the problem.
If your air conditioner is not functioning properly due to a refrigerant leak or a blower motor that is on its way out, it is important that you contact us as soon as possible. These problems are serious and can lead to worse issues. Whether you are having trouble with your evaporator coils freezing up or some other problem related to your air conditioning, our technicians have the know-how to get your system working again. Cox Air has been serving Clearwater and other communities in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties since 1958.
