It sounds strange, but one of the most common summer AC problems is a system that freezes up — ice forming on the indoor coil or the refrigerant lines, even when it's 90 degrees outside. If you're asking "why is my AC freezing up?", here's what's going on and what to do first.
First, the immediate step: turn your AC off. Running a frozen system can damage the compressor — the most expensive part of your unit. Switch the thermostat to "off" but set the fan to "on" to help the ice melt faster, and let it thaw completely before restarting.
So why does it happen? An air conditioner freezes when something disrupts the balance of airflow and refrigerant. The most common cause is restricted airflow — a dirty air filter, closed or blocked vents, or a dirty blower. Without enough warm air moving over the coil, it gets too cold and the condensation freezes. Checking and replacing your filter is the first thing to try.
The other common cause is low refrigerant. If your system is low — almost always due to a leak — the pressure drops and the coil freezes. This needs a licensed technician to find and repair the leak, not just "top off" the refrigerant.
Other culprits include a dirty evaporator coil or drainage problems. If a fresh filter doesn't solve it, or the freezing keeps coming back, it's time for a professional diagnosis before it turns into a bigger repair.
Reinhardt Heating and Air is available 7am to midnight across the greater Charlotte region — give us a call and we'll get you cool again.