Air ConditionerFrozen Coil
Frozen air conditioner diagnosis and repair in the Las Vegas valley.
- Phones answered 24/7
- Local since 2006
$50 off any repair of $250 or more. See specials
- NV License #0000000
- Locally owned since 2006
- Labor guarantee on repairs
- Free replacement estimates
- Background-checked team
What to Check
Common Reasons YourSystem Freezes
An air conditioner freezes when airflow is restricted or refrigerant is low. Look for these common signs in your home.
Clogged Air Filter
A dirty filter is one of the most common reasons a coil freezes. It restricts the airflow needed to keep the indoor coil above freezing.
Closed Vents
Closing too many supply vents cuts the airflow across the indoor coil, which can let it drop below freezing.
Blocked Return Grilles
Furniture or rugs blocking the large return grilles will starve the system of air, leading to a frozen coil.
Low Refrigerant
If your system is low on refrigerant, the pressure drops. This causes the coil temperature to plummet and freeze the condensation.
Dirty Indoor Coil
A coil coated in Las Vegas dust cannot transfer heat properly. The dirt acts as insulation, causing the coil to freeze.
Failing Blower Motor
If the indoor blower motor dies or spins too slowly, not enough warm air moves over the coil to keep it from turning to ice.
Safe Self Check
Four Steps toThaw the System
You must melt the ice before we can test the system. Follow these steps to safely thaw your air conditioner.
Turn the Cooling Off
Go to your thermostat and turn the cooling mode off right away. Running a frozen system can damage the compressor.
Turn the Fan On
Switch the fan setting on your thermostat from auto to on. This forces warm air from your house over the coil to help melt the ice.
Change the Filter
Remove the air filter. If it is covered in dust and dirt, throw it away and install a new one. Do not turn the cooling back on yet.
Check the Vents
Walk through your home and make sure all supply and return vents are open and unblocked by furniture or rugs.
Do Not Scrape the Ice
Never use a tool or your hands to scrape ice off the indoor coil or copper lines. The copper is thin and easily punctured, causing a refrigerant leak. Let the system thaw naturally with the fan running. Melting ice can overflow the drain pan, so towels around the indoor unit help. If you smell gas at any point, leave the home right away without touching light switches or the thermostat, then call 911 and Southwest Gas from a safe place outside.
Our Approach
What to Expect on Your Service Call
We find out why your system froze and provide a clear repair plan.
Find the Cause: Once the ice is gone, we test the blower motor, inspect the coil for dirt and check the refrigerant pressures.
Show What Failed: We show you the dirty coil, the failing motor or the evidence of a refrigerant leak so you understand the problem.
Written Price: We provide a flat-rate written price to clean the coil, replace the motor or fix the leak before any work begins.
Repair and Test: We perform the repair and run the system through a full cycle to ensure the pressures are correct and the coil stays clear.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is what homeowners in the valley ask when they see ice on their air conditioner.
How long does it take for the ice to melt?
Depending on how thick the ice is and the temperature in your attic or garage, it can take several hours, and thick ice can take most of a day to thaw completely. Leaving the indoor fan on helps speed up the process.
Can I turn the AC back on after changing the filter?
Once the ice is entirely gone and you have a new filter in place, you can try turning the cooling back on. If it freezes again, turn it off and call us. A refrigerant leak, a dirty coil or a blower problem may be the cause.
Why is ice on the copper pipe outside?
The large copper line carries cold refrigerant gas back to the compressor. If the indoor coil freezes, that freezing temperature travels down the line to the outdoor unit.
Will adding Freon fix a frozen coil?
Air conditioners do not consume refrigerant. If it is low, there is a leak. We find and repair the leak before adding refrigerant. Only EPA Section 608 certified technicians handle refrigerant.
Does a frozen coil mean my system is ruined?
Not always. If caught early, the fix might be a new filter, a coil cleaning or a blower motor replacement. However, running a frozen system for days can damage the compressor.
Fix YourFreezing AC
Schedule a diagnostic visit in the Las Vegas valley.
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