Why Is My Air Conditioner Frozen Pipe Outside? Causes and Solutions

The global HVAC maintenance and services market was valued at USD 78.50 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 110.07 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 5.79% during the forecast period states Arizton.com

A rapidly growing market such as this indicates the need for repairs, servicing, and maintenance at the same frequency. As such anyone with an airconditioning unit or a HVAC system may need professional repair services now and then.

That being said, even with consistent maintenance, you may need major repairs or parts replacement as time goes on. The older the unit, the more in need of maintenance and repairs it is. 

Experts at Diamond Flame Mechanical Inc. offer a range of services that can help keep your AC and HVAC systems running and operating smoothly. With regular care and an understanding of how things work major repairs and expenditures can be avoided.

Causes of Air Conditioner Frozen Pipe Outside

As air conditioners age the frequent use and the strain on the components may lead to some identifiable concerns. One such problem is frozen air conditioning pipes. You will find that these are prominent even for the layman.

Below are 5 reasons why this happens. To better understand, read on:

1. The Refrigerant Levels Are Low

Pipes can freeze over if the refrigerant levels are low. The low levels can cause pressure to build up in and around the unit leading to eventual ice forming over the pipes. As the temperature of the refrigerant falls below freezing levels, frozen pipes are an eminent outcome.

Leaks in the system are usually the reason for low refrigerant levels. These leaks should be addressed by a professional immediately, without immediate action, the entire unit can become damaged let alone the frozen pipes.

2. Dirty Filters

The filters in the air conditioning unit are responsible for ensuring enough warm air is present for the unit to operate at optimal capacity. These filters trap dust, debris, grime, and more to promote a healthy airflow. Clogged filters cause the airflow to become restricted and this leads to a temperature drop around the air conditioning coils. This in turn causes the pipes to freeze over and develop ice on their surface.

3. Clogged Vents

If the vents on a property are clogged and the airflow is restricted it affects the function of the compressor and this increases pressure in the unit. without the right balance of airflow, the evaporator coils become cold. This prevents proper dissipation of the air and this will lead to frozen pipes outside the unit.

4. The Blower Fan May be Faulty

This is a fan-like contraption that is responsible for circulating airflow across the entire unit. If the fan malfunctions it affects the bulk of the airflow that enters and exists the unit.

If the evaporator coils don’t receive enough airflow, their temperature drops and leads to an air conditioner frozen pipe outside of the unit.

5. The Thermostat May Be Faulty

Faulty thermostats can also become a cause for frozen pipes. For instance, a broken thermostat fails to regulate the temperature and the cooling cycle. This in turn prevents the thermostat from signaling the system on time to stop function which will cause the coils to drop in temperature excessively leading to frozen pipes.

Solutions for Airconditioner Frozen Pipes Outside

Now that you have identified the signs that your air conditioning unit is frozen, it’s time to find the right solution for it. 

• Turn it off
• Turn the fan mode on
• Clean and check the filters
• Check the refrigerant levels
• Call professionals

1. Turn it Off Immediately

If the pipes are frozen and the AC unit is still running it can cause permanent damage to the coil and compressor. Switching it off immediately will put less strain on the internal components and might even help the pipes defrost in time. While frozen pipes don’t immediately need professional repairs, taking the right precautions in time will help keep the unit running smoothly for longer. These are major components of the unit and as such are quite expensive to replace or repair.

2. Try the Fan Mode

Turning on the fan mode in some units can help melt the ice quickly. You can move forward with regular servicing to ensure the unit is operational without the fear of finding the air conditioner evaporator coil frozen.

This can be considered a precautionary measure as well. Before you call professionals, ensure the unit is ready for servicing.

3. The Filters May Need Cleaning

This is a common yet recurring concern. Once you find the air filters clogged with dust and debris you can wash them off to use the AC unit without a problem. This is something that can be done at home and doesn’t require the help of a professional. 

However, if the filters haven’t been cleaned for long, you may need professionals to help get the dust and debris out without damaging anything.

4. The Refrigerant Levels May Be the Concern

If the refrigerant isn’t adequate it does not flow as needed through the coils. This can cause ice build-up on the pipes. In the case of low refrigerant, it is best to call in a professional. Since the coils can be quite fragile, it is best to get it serviced by a technician.

5. Professional Help is Non-Negotiable

Are your Air conditioner pipes frozen? It’s time to call in the experts! Qualified technicians at Diamond Flame Mechanical, INC can inspect, identify, and solve any air conditioning concerns or problems you may have with the HVAC system Kit.

They will first examine the situation and then move on to provide you with a budget-friendly solution for it. Not all frozen pipes need part replacements and some things can be tackled at home. If so, they will give you a solution you can carry out on your own.  

Whether your air conditioner sounds like running water all your HVAC and air conditioning concerns give them a call today!