AC Frozen or Ice on the Line in Columbia, SC
Visible ice on the copper line, the indoor coil, or the outdoor unit itself. Common in Columbia's humidity once a system is already struggling.
What usually causes this
- Low refrigerant - by far the most common cause of a recurring freeze
- Restricted airflow from a dirty filter or a blocked return
- A failing blower motor that's no longer moving enough air across the coil
What to do before someone arrives
- Switch the thermostat to OFF, not just fan-only, and let the ice melt fully before anyone runs the system again - this usually takes 3 to 4 hours
- Don't chip or pick at the ice - it can damage the coil or the line
- Put a towel or tray under the indoor unit if it's inside, since the melt produces real water
Questions people ask
Can I just keep running the AC with the ice on it?
No. Running a frozen system pushes liquid refrigerant back toward the compressor, which is one of the more expensive parts to replace. Shut it off and let it thaw completely first.
It thawed and worked fine for a few days, then froze again. Is that normal?
No - a system that re-freezes is telling you the underlying cause wasn't fixed, most often a slow refrigerant leak. It's worth having it looked at before it freezes a third time.
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Also see: AC Repair in Columbia, SC
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