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AC Frozen Over
in Corpus Christi, TX
When ice forms on your indoor unit or the copper lines running to it, airflow through your home drops sharply and the system can no longer cool anything. Corpus Christi's high humidity means there is always plenty of moisture in the air to freeze onto a coil that gets too cold. If the compressor keeps running while the coil is frozen solid, it can overheat and fail.
Quick Answer
A frozen AC happens when the evaporator coil gets too cold and moisture in the air turns to ice on it. In Corpus Christi, a dirty air filter or a low refrigerant charge are the most common triggers. Turn the system to fan-only mode to let it thaw, then call (361) 600-9264 to find out why it froze. Running it while frozen can damage the compressor.
Telltale Signs
Warning Signs to Watch For
- Visible ice on the copper lines coming out of the indoor unit
- Air from the vents slows to almost nothing
- Water pooling or dripping around the indoor air handler
- The outdoor unit runs but the house gets warmer, not cooler
- A musty smell coming from the vents after the ice melts
Root Causes
What Causes AC Frozen Over?
Restricted Airflow from Dirty Filter
The evaporator coil needs steady warm air moving over it to stay above freezing. When a clogged filter cuts airflow, the coil drops below 32 degrees and freezes. In Corpus Christi, filters load up with coastal dust and pet hair faster than most manufacturers expect.
The Fix
Filter Replacement and Airflow Inspection
Replace the filter with the correct size and rating, then check that all supply vents are open and unblocked. The system usually thaws within a few hours on fan-only mode.
Low Refrigerant Charge
When refrigerant is low, pressure inside the evaporator coil drops too far and the coil surface temperature falls below freezing. Coastal salt air in areas like North Beach and Padre Island can accelerate corrosion on refrigerant line connections, causing slow leaks over several years.
The Fix
Leak Repair and Refrigerant Recharge
A technician locates and seals the leak before adding refrigerant back to the correct level. Skipping the leak repair means the coil will freeze again within a season.
Self-Diagnosis
Which Cause Applies to You?
Check the signs you're observing to narrow down the likely root cause before your inspection.
| What You're Seeing | Restricted Airflow from Dirty Filter | Low Refrigerant Charge |
|---|---|---|
| Filter is visibly gray and clogged when pulled out | ||
| Ice forms even with a clean filter installed | ||
| Water dripping from the indoor unit after the ice melts | ||
| Airflow from vents is very weak even before ice is visible | ||
| System freezes repeatedly within weeks of being thawed out |
Free Inspection
Get a Diagnosis in Corpus Christi
An on-site inspection is the only way to confirm which cause applies to your property. Free, no obligation.
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