AC Froze Up? Now What?


AC Freezing Up | Air Conditioner Repairs | Clogged AC Drains
AZ, Phoenix, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Peoria, Arizona

There are a number of reasons that can cause your AC unit to freeze up. Air conditioners require unrestricted airflow to keep the area around the cold coil at temperatures above freezing. Warm air recirculated from the home through the return is what keeps the the operating temperature up and prevents the coils from freezing. Without it, condensation builds and AC coils freeze. Dirty air filters and/or closed air registers can impede airflow, it’s a good idea check air filters regularly and make sure the registers have smooth air flow. A freeze-up can also be caused by low refrigerant levels and/or improper fan operation. Low refrigerant levels can actually make the coils run too cold, and a faulty fan prevents air from moving at necessary volumes.

Clogged AC drains and faulty thermostats are also common causes of a freeze ups. In the cooling process, an AC unit collects water condensation in a pan below the unit that drains outside. Sometimes when coils freeze, it causes a blockage of the drain hole in the condensate pan. This can really get messy if your pan overflows and starts flooding into the room or garage. Running an air conditioner with frozen coils can also lead to extensive damage of the AC compressor. This is the most expensive part of an AC unit, and it’s not a repair or replacement expense that anyone is usually prepared for. If your AC isn't running properly and you suspect it may be frozen, it’s probably best to call a certified HVAC technician.

HVAC Repairs - Air Conditioning Unit

Rainforest Plumbing and Air specializes in service and repair for Arizona Mulithousing Communities and commercial properties. We fix all types of HVAC problems for businesses and residents, including AC freeze-ups. We know that the summers in the Phoenix Arizona area can be quite warm… so we respond quickly on any HVAC service call. As a matter of fact, our customers can call us any time day, night or weekend for 24/7 emergency service. As soon as we receive your call, we will quickly dispatch a service technician. Your indoor comfort and air quality is our top concern. Our technicians are both factory trained and certified as well as CrimShield "Crime-Free" certified. Our state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment ensures that you'll be back up and enjoying cool air in no time!

What is a Rooter...?

We hear the term "rooter" or "roto-rooter" often in the plumbing world. A rooter is a machine that was invented out of frustration and necessity in order to clear tree roots from drain pipes. One of the most common drain clogs or stoppages come from tree roots invading underground sewer or drain pipes. A rooter drain cleaning tool is essentially a heavy duty drain-snake with rotating blades on the end. The plumbing professional feeds the rotating blades into the root infested pipe literally cutting the roots away leaving you with a smooth, clean inner pipe wall.

It is amazing how often roots can completely take over a drain pipe. Just recently one of our plumber removed a twelve-foot section of root from a drain pipe in Chandler Arizona. The video was taken with the plumbing technician's cell phone and the resolution isn't the greatest... but it is a great example of how invasive tree roots can be to your plumbing system.



Drain problems of this magnitude require more than the right equipment to resolve. They require training and experience. It is easy to actually do more damage than good with a drain-rooter if you have never used one before. If you suspect that your sewer or drains are blocked, make sure to call an Arizona plumbing professional to help clean out your system and get all of your drains flowing smoothly.

Plumber Job Description

  • Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks.
  • Review blueprints and building codes and specifications to determine work details and procedures.
  • Prepare written work cost estimates and negotiate contracts.
  • Study building plans and inspect structures to assess material and equipment needs, to establish the sequence of pipe installations, and to plan installation around obstructions such as electrical wiring.
  • Keep records of assignments and produce detailed work reports.
  • Perform complex calculations and planning for special or very large jobs.
  • Locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes, and fixtures in structures, using measuring instruments such as rulers and levels.
  • Measure, cut, thread, and bend pipe to required angle, using hand and power tools or machines such as pipe cutters, pipe-threading machines, and pipe-bending machines.
  • Install pipe assemblies, fittings, valves, appliances such as dishwashers and water heaters, and fixtures such as sinks and toilets, using hand and power tools.
  • Cut openings in structures to accommodate pipes and pipe fittings, using hand and power tools.
  • Repair and maintain plumbing, replacing defective washers, replacing or mending broken pipes, and opening clogged drains.
  • Direct workers engaged in pipe cutting and pre-assembly and installation of plumbing systems and components.
  • Install underground storm, sanitary and water piping systems and extend piping to connect fixtures and plumbing to these systems.
  • Clear away debris in a renovation.
  • Clean work area.