There are over 120 million homes in the United States, and a large percentage of them have an air conditioning system. According to statistics from the National Climatic Data Center, approximately 29% of all households in the U.S. use air conditioning. That’s a lot of people!

Air conditioners can be a major source of comfort and relief during the hot summer months when it feels like it is nearly impossible to get any relief from the heat without cranking up your AC unit. However, if you have a frozen suction line on your AC unit, then you may find yourself feeling less than comfortable as well as being shocked by how much it can cost to repair or replace your unit.

The air conditioning suction line is the pipe that runs from your outdoor condenser to the air handler unit. It’s usually made of copper or aluminum and can be insulated with foam or braided fiberglass. The suction line can freeze if the outside temperature drops below freezing, exposing it to wind and snow. This can cause your AC to stop working, resulting in thousands of dollars in costly repairs and energy loss over time.

So, if your air conditioner is not cooling and the suction line is frozen, you may be wondering how to troubleshoot a/ac frozen suction line. You may also be wondering what causes the suction line to freeze.

In this article, AC repair and maintenance experts in Doylestown, PA, will talk about some common causes of suction line frozen on ac and help you troubleshoot frozen suction line. Additionally, we will also offer some tips for how to prevent this from happening in the future.

So let’s find out.

5 Signs of a frozen suction line ac unit

The last thing you want to happen to your air conditioner is for it to freeze up.

A frozen suction line can be a huge problem, but there are some signs that might help you catch it before it gets too bad.

Here are the top 5 signs of a frozen suction line:

Reduced or no cooling.

If your ac unit isn’t producing the same amount of cold air as it used to, it could be a sign that there’s something wrong with your suction line. Maybe a pipe has broken, or maybe the venting is clogged. Either way, if you notice reduced cooling from your system, call a local professional for AC repair and maintenance to check things out before it gets worse.

Ice or frost on the suction line.

This one is obvious. If you see ice or frost on the suction line near where it connects to your outside unit, this could mean that there is water in your system that needs to be removed before it freezes and damages other parts of your equipment.

Water is leaking from under your unit.

If there’s water leaking from under or around your ac unit, this could mean that there’s an internal leak within the unit itself—or even worse—that there’s a crack in its outer shell.

Unusual noises.

You may hear unusual noises coming from your air conditioner, like squeaking or grinding. This can be a sign that your compressor is failing and needs to be replaced. If you notice any unusual sounds coming from your AC unit, contact an HVAC professional in Doylestown, PA, to assess the problem.

Increased energy consumption.

If you notice that your AC unit is consuming more energy than usual, this could be a sign that there is something wrong with the system. The most common cause of increased energy consumption is a frozen condenser coil. If you notice your AC unit running more than it should be, check the condenser coil for ice buildup, which could prevent it from cooling properly!

Why is your AC suction line frozen?

Your air conditioner’s suction line is a critical component of your system, and it can freeze when the temperature drops. This can cause your air conditioner to stop working and even damage the compressor. 

Here are other seven reasons why your air conditioner’s suction line is frozen:

Insufficient airflow

This is one of the most common reasons air conditioners fail in winter. The air coming out of the vents is too cold, which prevents the condenser coils from releasing heat and making room for the cold air that comes into your home through the vents. This causes frost buildup on those coils, which in turn causes them to freeze and stop working altogether.

Low refrigerant levels

If there isn’t enough refrigerant in your system, it can’t efficiently transfer heat from inside your home to outside of it. In turn, this causes ice buildup on the inside walls of your air conditioner and can eventually cause the AC line frozen completely if left untreated long enough!

Thermostat issues

The most common cause of your ac suction line freezing is a problem with the thermostat. The thermostat is what tells your air conditioner when to turn on, and if it isn’t working correctly, it can keep your air conditioner from turning off when it should—which means you could be running your AC when it’s not needed or even draining your battery if you leave it on too long. This causes your AC unit frozen and let it work harder than necessary, which can cause problems with the condenser coils and even damage them over time.

Dirty evaporator coil

This is another common reason an AC’s suction line freezes up during winter. When this happens, it’s usually because too many particles obstruct airflow through the evaporator coils (which are located inside your outdoor unit). These particles can include dust mites, pollen allergies, and other allergens that build up over time, allowing them to clog up air passages, leading to severe problems like frozen AC units.

Malfunctioning expansion valve

The expansion valve regulates the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator coil. If it becomes faulty or stuck open, it can allow too much refrigerant to enter the coil, causing it to freeze and leading to a frozen suction line.

Improperly sized AC system

If the air conditioning system is too large for the space it’s cooling, it may cycle on and off too frequently. This short cycling can prevent the evaporator coil from reaching the proper temperature, resulting in a frozen suction line.

Restricted airflow due to duct issues

Problems with the ductwork, such as collapsed or blocked ducts, improper insulation, or closed dampers, can restrict airflow and freeze the evaporator coil.

How to Troubleshoot AC Frozen Suction Line?

When your air conditioner’s suction line freezes, it can be a real headache. But don’t worry—it’s easy to troubleshoot! Follow these seven steps to get your AC running again as quickly as possible.

Step 1: Turn off the AC.

If you can’t turn off your air conditioner, you may have a bigger problem. However, if it turns off, try turning it back on again and see if the suction line improves or worsens. If there’s no change in airflow after turning the unit back on, proceed to Step 2.

Step 2: Check for airflow restrictions.

If there’s still no change in airflow when you turn your AC back on, then check for airflow restrictions by disconnecting the suction line from its port and using a vacuum cleaner to check for leaks. If there are no leaks in the suction line or port connections, proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Inspect the evaporator coil.

The next thing you’ll want to do how to troubleshoot a/ac frozen suction line is to inspect the evaporator coil. If it’s frozen, thaw it out and make sure it’s not clogged with debris. If you notice any damage, replace the part and make sure that any connections are secure.

Step 4: Check for refrigerant leaks. 

These leaks can cause significant damage in both residential and commercial settings because they can lead to reduced efficiency and even complete failure of your HVAC system. They’re often caused by improper installation or repair work done by an inexperienced technician—so make sure you only hire trusted AC Repair & Maintenance professionals for these repairs!

Step 5: Verify thermostat settings.

Make sure that the thermostat is set to the correct cooling mode and temperature. Make sure the fan is set to “Auto” rather than “On” to prevent continuous operation that may contribute to freezing.

Step 6: Assess ductwork. 

Check that the ducts are not blocked by insulation or debris, and make sure they’re properly insulated. Also, check that they aren’t leaking or damaged in any way. This can be done using a duct tester or simply running water through each hose until it comes out warm or hot.

Step 7: Call a professional technician.

If you’ve completed the above steps and the problem persists or if you are unsure about performing further troubleshooting, it’s advisable to contact a qualified HVAC technician in Doylestown, PA. They will have the necessary expertise and tools to diagnose and resolve the issue.

DIY Vs. Professional AC Repair Service: Which is Better?

Wondering, “What is the difference between DIY and professional AC repair service?”

If you have a frozen AC suction line, should you just DIY it? Or is it worth it to pay for a professional AC repair service?

Here’s a comparison table highlighting the key factors to consider when deciding between a DIY AC repair and hiring a professional AC repair service:

Factors	DIY AC Repair	Professional AC Repair Service
Skill and Knowledge	Requires a good understanding of AC systems and repair techniques	Professionals have specialized training and expertise in HVAC systems
Safety	Potential safety risks if not familiar with electrical components and refrigerants	Professionals are trained to handle safety precautions and have the necessary certifications.
Accuracy and Reliability	Results can vary depending on individual skill level and troubleshooting abilities.	Professionals provide accurate diagnoses and reliable repairs
Time and Effort	DIY repairs can be time-consuming and may require research and troubleshooting	Professionals can complete repairs efficiently, saving you time and effort
Complex Issues	Limited ability to handle complex or major system failures	Professionals have the knowledge and equipment to handle complex issues
Warranty and Insurance	DIY repairs may void equipment warranties and could lead to insurance issues	Professionals offer warranties on their work and are insured for any potential damages.
Cost	DIY repairs can be cost-effective for minor issues, but mistakes may lead to additional expenses	Professional services come at a cost but ensure proper repairs and reduce the risk of further damage.

5 Tips to Prevent Frozen AC suction line

Tired of having your AC suction line freeze? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Here are 5 tips to prevent frozen AC suction lines and keep your system running smoothly all summer long.

1. Keep the suction line clear of debris and leaves.

2. Make sure you check your air conditioner’s filter monthly, and replace it if necessary.

3. Clean the condenser coils regularly to ensure proper airflow throughout your central air conditioner.

4. Keep your thermostat set at a comfortable temperature, not too high and not too low—this will help prevent freezing in the central air conditioning system.

5. Make sure that the drain pan is not blocked by debris or other objects, which can cause water to overflow into your home’s flooring or carpeting.

When to Call Professional AC Repair & Maintenance Experts

When your AC suction line is frozen, it can be an absolute nightmare.

We know. We’ve been there.

That’s why CDO Heating and Air Inc. has the expertise and experience to fix your frozen AC suction line in Doylestown, PA—and we’ll do it fast.

We’ve been in business for over 25 years, providing professional AC repair & maintenance to our customers in Doylestown and surrounding areas. We pride ourselves on our responsiveness, honesty, and transparency with every customer we serve. That’s why we’re here for you 24/7—even on holidays! 

And when our technicians arrive at your home? They’ll bring everything they need: diagnostic tools, replacement parts, and even cleaning supplies for removing dirt inside your unit (if necessary). You won’t have to worry about missing work or school because our team will make sure that everything gets done quickly and efficiently.

So, when you need help with AC Repair & Maintenance in Doylestown, call (267) 481-7807 to schedule an appointment with our qualified and licensed HVAC technician.