3 Reasons Your AC is Freezing That Your Technician Might Miss

Content Idea 1: The "AC Freezing Up" Diagnostic Checklist

  • Title Idea: "AC Freezing Up? It's Likely Not Just Low Refrigerant! (5 Checks Before You Call a Pro)"

  • Content Focus:

    1. The #1 Culprit: Airflow Problems:
      • Super dirty air filter (show examples, how to check/change).
      • Too restrictive air filter (explain MERV ratings, why "ultra allergen" isn't always best for airflow).
      • Blocked vents/registers (people closing too many).
      • Dirty evaporator coil (show where it is, signs of dirt, briefly mention professional cleaning vs. what a homeowner might carefully do if accessible – with caveats).
    2. Blower Fan Issues: (Fan not running at proper speed or at all).
    3. Stuck Contactor: (Explain what it is, how it can cause the outside unit to run constantly even if the thermostat isn't calling for cool, leading to freeze-ups).
    4. Low Refrigerant (Yes, it's still a possibility): Briefly explain that while it's a common cause, the above should be checked first, especially if a tech said refrigerant was fine.
    5. Thermostat Malfunction: (Less common for freezing, but can cause erratic behavior).
  • Why it could go viral:

    • Addresses a very common, frustrating, and potentially expensive problem.
    • Empowers homeowners with actionable steps they can take themselves, potentially saving a service call fee.
    • Debunks the common oversimplification that it's always low refrigerant.
    • The "Before You Call a Pro" angle is highly appealing for cost-conscious homeowners.
    • Visuals of dirty filters vs. clean, or a stuck contactor, would be very engaging.
  • Target Audience:

    • Homeowners, especially new or less experienced ones.
    • DIY-inclined individuals.
    • Anyone experiencing AC issues and looking for solutions before spending money on a technician.
    • People who feel their technician may have overlooked simple issues.

Content Idea 2: Decoding Your AC & Spotting a Dodgy Technician

  • Title Idea: "AC Tech Said It's 'Fine' But It's NOT? Red Flags & What They Might Be Missing!"

  • Content Focus:

    1. Common AC Misdiagnoses:
      • Quickly blaming low refrigerant without a thorough leak check or checking airflow first.
      • Ignoring airflow issues (filters, dirty coils).
      • Missing a stuck contactor or failing capacitor.
      • Not checking superheat/subcooling properly (if discussing refrigerant).
    2. Red Flags for a Bad/Inexperienced Technician:
      • Doesn't ask about symptoms or history.
      • Spends very little time diagnosing.
      • Immediately suggests a very expensive repair (e.g., full system replacement) without exploring simpler fixes.
      • Cannot clearly explain the problem or the proposed solution.
      • Doesn't show you readings or evidence for their diagnosis.
      • Leaves a mess or seems unprofessional.
    3. Empowering Questions to Ask Your Technician:
      • "Can you show me the filter/coil?"
      • "What were the refrigerant pressure readings (and superheat/subcooling)?"
      • "Did you check for airflow restrictions?"
      • "Can you explain why X part needs replacing and what symptoms it's causing?"
    4. When to Get a Second Opinion: (e.g., very expensive quote, diagnosis doesn't make sense, problem persists after "fix").
  • Why it could go viral:

    • Taps into a strong emotional pain point: mistrust of service professionals and fear of being ripped off.
    • Offers "insider knowledge" that makes viewers feel empowered and less vulnerable.
    • Provides actionable advice on how to interact with technicians and assess their competence.
    • The "us vs. potentially bad them" narrative can be highly engaging.
    • Highly shareable among homeowner groups and forums.
  • Target Audience:

    • Homeowners who have had negative experiences with AC technicians.
    • People who feel intimidated or confused by technical jargon from service pros.
    • Anyone facing an expensive AC repair and wanting to ensure the diagnosis is sound.
    • Cost-conscious consumers looking to avoid unnecessary expenses.

Origin Reddit Post

r/diy

AC running/freezing over despite temp lower than setpoint. How to solve? Refrigerant level is good.

Posted by u/MTBisLIFE06/08/2025
We encountered this problem a couple weeks ago, AC guy came and said it was fine and didn't find any problems although the unit had been turning all day long. It ran fine for the past two wee

Top Comments

u/csk1325
Low coolant condition
u/pencock
Was this big storm the only rain you’ve had in the past two weeks?  Did it rain when your ac froze up the first time?  Check all your filters / get thinner filters, make sure the condenser is
u/gredr
Number 1 most common cause is low airflow through the evaporator (the part inside the house). Almost always because either your filter is clogged or because you bought a "super clean-your-air
u/Icy-Piece-168
Heat transfer isn’t occurring properly.
u/satchmo64
is a light blinking on the board ?
u/MTBisLIFE
I believe only 2017. I asked the tech when he was here, and he said 1) filter looked clean (it's a reusable filter you can rinse and reuse) 2) I asked if he checked the A coil and he said he
u/MTBisLIFE
What could cause that? And why would the unit continuously run while only occasionally blowing air into the house until it meets the setpoint?
u/Natural-You4322
1. low load. indoor unit airflow issue ( dirty coil, fan not working etc) 2. communication issue between indoor and outdoor unit (causing mismatch of heat load vs heat removal)
u/Desperate_Sir4546
80% of these are due to low Freon (first guy misread something or didn’t check the system correctly). If the charge was correct then you probably have bad air flow. Dirty filter or dirty evap
u/Mastasmoker
Contactor relay is stuck in. Open the electrical cover on the condenser, make sure power is off. The relay should not be pulled in if you're below setpoint. Pull the thermostat off its base
u/MTBisLIFE
Not sure I trust this randomly assigned AC technician. He didn't seem too knowledgeable and was from a larger company.  

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