Living in the blazing hot Albuquerque summers means that having a working AC unit is a must in every home and business.

It’s incredibly frustrating when your AC isn’t performing at its best. Frozen coils are a common AC issue, but they almost always indicate a problem with your system that needs fixing by a professional HVAC technician.

There are several possible reasons for your coils freezing over, which our experts at Day & Night Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drains will discuss here.

Refrigerant Leaks Can Cause Freezing

Low refrigerant levels are often caused by leaks in the refrigerant lines or coils. Leaking refrigerant leads to extra wear and tear on your AC unit, reducing its ability to keep your home comfortable.

A trained tech will need to locate the leak in your AC system, make repairs, and refill the refrigerant to proper levels for your unit.

Colder Outdoor Temps

For your central AC to effectively remove heat from your home, warm ambient temps are needed. If it’s below 62°F outside, your cooling system won’t work right, leading to ice on the coils. It’s best to reprogram your AC thermostat to turn off cooling during cooler months.

Poor Air Circulation

AC units require steady airflow to function properly. Airflow issues may be caused by:

• Clutter blocking supply registers
• Air duct leaks or poor seals
• Clogged filters needing cleaning or replacement
• Blocked dampers or registers
• Dust or debris blocking ducts
• Broken ventilation blower fan

Blower fans push hot air into the coils and ducts to distribute cool air. If the fan stops, heat transfer is halted, causing coil icing.

Dirty Evaporator Coil

Lots of dust and debris can build up in your HVAC system and get trapped in ducts or filters. Over time, dirt and particles accumulate. The refrigerant struggles to absorb heat due to dirt between coils and frozen condensate on them. This limits heat transfer.

If you find frozen coils, immediately turn off your AC. Check your filters as the cause. If not, iced coils are the issue. If it continues after fixing filters, call Day & Night Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drains at 505-974-5797. Our qualified experts can help.

Our highly trained pros are extensively certified and experienced to ensure repairs and all AC services are done with quality workmanship.

What Causes Refrigerant Leaks in Your AC System?

Low refrigerant levels from leaks are a major reason AC coils freeze up. But what causes refrigerant leaks? Here are some common culprits:

Wear and Tear

Your AC system endures a lot of pressure and vibration over years of use. Slowly, small cracks and holes can form in refrigerant lines, joints, or coils. Minor leaks start and gradually get worse over time. Regular maintenance can catch early leaks before major damage.

Improper Installation

If AC lines weren’t properly brazed together or valves weren’t sealed correctly, leaks can occur. Damaged parts or improper materials during installation also lead to premature breakdowns and leaks. Using unlicensed contractors increases the risk of poor workmanship.

Rust and Corrosion

Refrigerant lines are made of copper or aluminum. If insulation becomes damaged or water gets into the system, the metal can start to oxidize and corrode. This wears down the tubing and causes pitting, eventually creating pinhole leaks. Proper drainage and protective coatings help avoid corrosion.

Physical Damage

Accidental punctures to refrigerant lines or coils from tools, furniture, or household items are an obvious cause of sudden leaks. Lawnmower blades, hedge trimmers, screws, and more can pierce thin tubing. Carefully protecting all outdoor AC equipment reduces this risk.

Harsh Chemicals

Some refrigerants and lubricating oils used in older AC systems were highly corrosive or reactive. Switching to newer, safer formulas has reduced chemical-driven leaks. But residues of old chemicals still within your system can still cause small leaks over time.

If you suspect any leak in your AC system, have it inspected right away before extensive repairs are needed. Catching issues early saves you money and hassle down the road.

Signs Your AC Needs Servicing to Prevent Frozen Coils

Catching small AC problems early before they lead to frozen coils requires paying attention to signals your system gives. Watch for these common signs of needed maintenance:

Reduced Cooling Ability

If your AC can’t keep up on hot days or cools inconsistently, low refrigerant from leaks is likely the issue. Lack of cooling capacity is one of the first indicators repairs are needed. Don’t ignore it!

Higher Energy Bills

Refrigerant leaks force your AC unit to run longer and work harder trying to cool your home. You’ll notice your electricity bills creeping up. Higher costs are a red flag to get your system inspected.

Strange Noises

Clunking, grinding, buzzing or whistling sounds coming from your AC often mean something is mechanically wrong inside the system. Unusual noises signal it’s time for professional maintenance.

Ice or Frost Buildup

Any noticeable ice or frost forming on refrigerant lines or coils means very low refrigerant levels. The system can’t properly absorb heat. Schedule service before total freezing happens.

Visible Damage

Do a visual check of your AC’s overall condition every year. Damage like dents, punctures, cracked seals/hoses, or rust need the attention of a technician to avoid leaks or other issues.

Don’t delay if your AC shows any of these warning signs! Call Day & Night Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drains at 505-974-5797 right away to schedule service and prevent serious frozen coil damage.

How Your HVAC Technician Will Diagnose and Repair Frozen Coils

When facing frozen AC coils, you want the issue fixed properly and as quickly as possible. Here’s a general guide to how HVAC pros like Day & Night diagnose and repair the problem:

Inspection & Testing

Your technician’s first step is thoroughly inspecting the full system inside and out. They check refrigerant levels, airflow, ducts, electrical components, and look for leaks, clogs, or damage. They may do brief test runs to isolate the issue.

Finding the Cause

Through hands-on testing and visual inspection, your tech will determine what’s causing the coils to freeze up. They need to identify underlying issues leading to low refrigerant, restricted airflow, electrical faults, or other factors.

Making Necessary Repairs

To permanently remedy frozen coils, the root problems need fixing. This may involve sealing refrigerant leaks, replacing worn parts, removing blockages, recharging refrigerant, adjusting ductwork, etc. Expect extra repairs beyond just defrosting coils.

Verifying & Cleaning

Once underlying issues are fixed, your tech verifies normal refrigerant levels and pressures. They ensure coils are fully defrosted and cleaned before restarting your AC. The system is monitored to confirm it’s operating normally again.

Avoiding Future Issues

Finally, your technician will advise you on proper AC maintenance going forward. This includes changing filters regularly, checking refrigerant levels, cleaning coils, and monitoring energy use. Following recommended maintenance prevents repeat freezing.

Getting frozen coils repaired ASAP by the pros at Day & Night prevents permanent damage to your AC system. We troubleshoot all makes and models of heating and cooling equipment. Our techs undergo rigorous training so you can trust our work is done right the first time. Never hesitate to call us!