When the sun blazes, the air feels heavy, and you’re just grateful for a cool breeze from your air conditioner, the last thing you expect is for it to suddenly stop working because it’s frozen solid. It sounds strange—how can something that’s designed to cool your home actually get too cold? Yet, AC freeze-ups are more common than many homeowners realize, and they can happen even when summer is winding down in West University Place, TX.

In our area, the combination of high humidity, intense heat, and unique local weather patterns makes air conditioning systems work harder than most people think. That extra strain can lead to frozen coils, reduced airflow, and, eventually, a complete AC shutdown—leaving you hot, frustrated, and possibly facing costly repairs.

In this post, we’ll break down the main reasons your AC may freeze up during late summer, what signs to watch for, and how you can prevent it. By understanding these causes, you’ll be better equipped to protect your comfort and your investment.

Understanding How Your AC Works — and Why It Can Freeze

Your AC isn’t just a machine that blows cold air into your home. It’s a complex system that relies on a delicate balance of temperature, airflow, and refrigerant pressure to work properly. At its core, your AC removes heat from inside your home and transfers it outside using refrigerant and a system of coils.

When this balance is disrupted—by reduced airflow, low refrigerant, or other issues—the evaporator coil (the part that absorbs heat from your home) can get too cold. If it drops below freezing, moisture in the air will condense on the coil and turn into ice. Over time, this ice builds up, blocking airflow even more, which causes the coil to get colder, creating a cycle that eventually shuts down the entire system.

Why West University Place, TX Homes Are Prone to AC Freeze-Ups

While AC freeze-ups can happen anywhere, the climate and environmental conditions in West University Place make them more likely. Here’s why:

1. High Humidity Levels

According to the National Weather Service, the Houston area—including West University Place—averages a relative humidity of around 75% during summer. This excess moisture in the air makes your AC work harder to remove humidity while also cooling your home. When moisture condenses on your evaporator coil and temperatures drop too low, ice can form quickly.

2. Heavy Cooling Demand

Even at the tail end of summer, daytime highs can hover in the 90s, with heat indexes well above that. This means your AC is still running long cycles to keep your home comfortable. Long run times increase the chance of airflow issues going unnoticed, allowing a freeze-up to happen before you realize there’s a problem.

3. Airborne Dust and Pollen

Late summer in our area can still bring high pollen counts and increased dust levels, especially during dry spells. This debris can clog your air filter faster than usual, restricting airflow and triggering the freeze-up cycle.

Common Causes of AC Freeze-Ups

Several issues can cause your AC to freeze. Some are simple maintenance oversights, while others require professional repair.

1. Dirty or Clogged Air Filter

One of the most common—and preventable—causes of AC freeze-ups is a dirty air filter. A clogged filter blocks airflow, making it harder for warm air to reach the evaporator coil. Without enough warm air moving across it, the coil temperature drops, leading to ice formation.

The Department of Energy recommends checking your AC filter every month during heavy use and replacing it at least every 1–3 months, depending on your system and indoor air quality.

2. Low Refrigerant Levels

If your system is low on refrigerant, it can’t absorb enough heat from your home, which causes the evaporator coil to get too cold. Low refrigerant usually means there’s a leak in your system—a problem that not only causes freeze-ups but can also damage your compressor if ignored.

In fact, the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) notes that refrigerant leaks are one of the leading causes of early AC failure, often reducing system efficiency by up to 20%.

3. Dirty Evaporator Coil

Dust, dirt, and mold growth on your evaporator coil act like insulation, preventing the coil from properly absorbing heat. This lack of heat absorption lowers coil temperature and increases the risk of freezing.

Since the evaporator coil is hidden inside your indoor unit, it’s not something most homeowners see or clean themselves. Regular professional maintenance is the safest way to keep this part in top condition.

4. Faulty Blower Fan

Your blower fan moves air over the evaporator coil and into your home. If it’s malfunctioning or running at the wrong speed, airflow drops, the coil gets too cold, and ice begins to form.

This can be caused by worn-out motor bearings, electrical issues, or even an incorrect fan speed setting after repairs or installation.

5. Blocked or Closed Air Vents

Sometimes the problem is as simple as too many closed air vents or blocked registers in your home. Restricting airflow through your ductwork causes a drop in air volume across the coil, setting the stage for freezing.

6. Thermostat Issues

A thermostat that is not reading indoor temperatures correctly may cause your system to run longer than necessary, which can lead to overly cold coil temperatures and ice buildup.

Warning Signs Your AC May Be Freezing Up

Recognizing a freeze-up early can help you prevent major damage. Look for these signs:

  • Weak or No Airflow: If air coming from your vents feels weak or nonexistent, ice buildup may be blocking airflow.

  • Visible Ice: Ice or frost forming on the refrigerant lines or around the indoor unit is a clear indicator.

  • Warm Air from Vents: If your AC is running but blowing warm air, ice may be blocking heat transfer.

  • Water Leaks: After the ice melts, you might see water pooling around your indoor unit.

Steps You Can Take to Prevent AC Freeze-Ups

Keeping your AC healthy in West University Place’s climate means paying attention to both airflow and system maintenance. Here’s how you can prevent freeze-ups:

1. Replace Air Filters Regularly

As mentioned earlier, clogged air filters are the top cause of freeze-ups. Regular replacement keeps airflow steady and helps maintain proper coil temperature.

2. Keep Vents Open and Unobstructed

Even if you don’t use certain rooms often, keep at least 80% of your vents open. Furniture, rugs, and curtains should be positioned to avoid blocking airflow.

3. Schedule Annual Maintenance

Professional maintenance helps catch issues like low refrigerant, dirty coils, and blower problems before they cause a freeze-up. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends annual servicing for optimal performance and efficiency.

4. Watch for Humidity Issues

If your home feels unusually humid, your AC may not be removing enough moisture, which can be a sign of low refrigerant or coil issues. Addressing this promptly can prevent a freeze-up.

5. Keep Outdoor Unit Clear

Your outdoor condenser needs proper airflow to function correctly. Keep plants, debris, and grass clippings at least two feet away from it to avoid strain on the system.

Why Professional AC Service Matters in West University Place

While some preventive steps are DIY-friendly, many causes of AC freeze-ups—like refrigerant leaks and blower malfunctions—require professional expertise. Here’s why McCann Services is the trusted choice in West University Place:

Local Knowledge

We understand the specific weather patterns, humidity challenges, and airborne pollutants common in this area, allowing us to tailor solutions that last.

Thorough Diagnostics

Our technicians use advanced tools to accurately measure refrigerant levels, inspect coils, and test airflow, ensuring we identify the root cause of any freeze-up.

Preventive Approach

Instead of just fixing the immediate problem, we look for underlying issues that could cause future breakdowns, saving you money and stress over time.

What to Do if Your AC Freezes Up

If you suspect your AC is frozen, follow these steps before calling for service:

  1. Turn Off the System – Prevent further damage by shutting down your AC.

  2. Switch the Fan to “On” – This allows warm air to circulate over the coils, speeding up the thawing process.

  3. Check Your Air Filter – Replace it if dirty, but still schedule professional service to determine the cause.

Remember, even if your AC starts working again after thawing, the underlying issue will return unless it’s properly repaired.

For Emergency AC Repair Services in West University Place, TX, Contact McCann Services Today

A frozen AC in the middle of a Texas heatwave—or even on a warm late-summer day—is more than an inconvenience. It’s a signal that something in your cooling system isn’t working as it should. Ignoring the problem can lead to higher energy bills, costly repairs, and shortened system life.

At McCann Services, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing AC freeze-ups quickly and effectively. Our friendly, professional technicians have the training and local experience to restore your comfort and keep your system running smoothly, no matter how challenging the weather.

Don’t wait for a minor issue to become a major breakdown—reach out to us today for prompt, reliable AC service in West University Place, TX.