Thermostat Archives - Thomson Air Conditioning

Smart thermostats have become one of the most popular home upgrades for improving comfort and reducing energy costs.

But while smart thermostats are packed with helpful features, one setting in particular can sometimes work against you: learning mode.

At Thomson Air Conditioning, we install smart thermostats every day, and one of the most common misconceptions we hear is that a learning thermostat will always save money automatically. In reality, that’s not always the case.

How Learning Thermostats Work

Learning thermostats are designed to observe your daily routine and automatically create a schedule based on your habits. Over time, they adjust when your heating or air conditioning turns on and off without requiring you to program it yourself.

When your routine is consistent, this feature can be incredibly convenient.

However, if your schedule changes often, learning mode can begin creating a schedule that no longer matches how you actually live.

When Learning Mode Can Increase Your Energy Bills

Imagine you normally leave for work every weekday, so your thermostat is programmed to keep the house comfortable only when you’re home.

One afternoon, you come home early for lunch or to grab something from the house. A learning thermostat may interpret that as part of your new routine and begin cooling or heating your home at that same time every day, even when you’re not there.

Over time, those unnecessary heating and cooling cycles can increase your energy usage without you realizing it.

Temporary Changes Can Become Permanent

The same thing can happen when:

You have family or guests staying with you.
You work from home for a few days.
Your vacation or holiday schedule changes.
Someone manually adjusts the temperature several times.

A learning thermostat may assume these temporary behaviors are permanent and modify its schedule accordingly.

The Best Way to Use a Smart Thermostat

Smart thermostats are excellent tools, but they work best when you stay in control.

If your thermostat offers a learning feature, allow it to learn your routine for a short period if you’d like, then review the schedule it created. Once you’re happy with it, consider turning off automatic learning so your schedule doesn’t continue changing every time your routine varies.

This gives you the convenience of automation while keeping your home’s comfort and energy efficiency predictable.

Need Help Choosing the Right Thermostat?

Not every home needs the same thermostat. The best choice depends on your HVAC system, your family’s schedule, and the features you’ll actually use.

At Thomson Air Conditioning, we help homeowners throughout Huntington Beach and Orange County choose, install, and optimize smart thermostats that improve comfort without wasting energy.

If you’re thinking about upgrading your thermostat or have questions about your current AC system, reach out to Thomson Air Conditioning today. We’re happy to help you find the right solution for your home.

If you’ve ever looked at your air conditioner and found the refrigerant lines or indoor coil covered in ice, you’re not alone.

While it may seem strange for an air conditioner to freeze up during the summer, it’s actually a common HVAC issue, and it’s usually a sign that something isn’t working correctly.

At Thomson Air Conditioning, one of the most common questions we hear is, “Why is my AC freezing up?” The answer typically comes down to one of two things: restricted airflow or low refrigerant.

The #1 Cause of AC Freezing: Restricted Airflow

Your air conditioner relies on a steady stream of warm air moving across the evaporator coil. As that air passes over the coil, the refrigerant inside absorbs heat, cooling your home.

When there isn’t enough airflow, the coil gets colder and colder until moisture in the air freezes onto it. Over time, that thin layer of frost can become a solid block of ice.

Think of it like an ice skating rink. An ice rink is essentially a cooling system with very little airflow. Without warm air constantly passing over the surface, it continues getting colder until ice forms. Your evaporator coil behaves the same way.

Common causes of restricted airflow include:

A dirty or clogged air filter
Blocked or closed supply vents
Damaged, kinked, or disconnected ductwork
A dirty evaporator coil
Poor duct design that doesn’t move enough air

If your AC is freezing repeatedly, checking the airflow should always be the first step.

The Second Common Cause: Low Refrigerant

The other major reason an AC coil freezes is low refrigerant.

As refrigerant pressure drops, so does its temperature. If the pressure becomes too low because of a refrigerant leak, the evaporator coil can fall below freezing, causing ice to form.

Unlike a dirty filter, refrigerant doesn’t get “used up.” If your AC system is low on refrigerant, there’s almost always a leak that should be found and repaired by a qualified HVAC technician.

Signs Your Air Conditioner May Be Freezing

Watch for these common symptoms for your AC freezing:

Ice on the refrigerant lines
Frost covering the indoor evaporator coil
Water dripping around the indoor unit after the ice melts
Weak airflow from your vents
Your AC runs constantly but struggles to cool your home

Ignoring these signs can lead to reduced efficiency, higher utility bills, and even compressor damage.

What Should You Do If Your AC Freezes?

If you notice ice on your AC system:

Turn off your air conditioner.
Switch the fan to ON to help thaw the ice.
Check and replace your air filter if it’s dirty.
Make sure all vents are open and unobstructed.
If the system freezes again after thawing, schedule a professional inspection.

Continuing to run a frozen system can make the problem worse and may cause expensive damage.

Keep Your System Running Efficiently

Many frozen air conditioner problems can be prevented with routine maintenance. Regular inspections help identify airflow issues, dirty coils, refrigerant leaks, and other small problems before they become major repairs.

If your air conditioner keeps freezing up, the team at Thomson Air Conditioning can diagnose the cause and get your AC system back to cooling efficiently.

Whether it’s a simple airflow issue or a refrigerant leak, we’ll help you find the right solution so your home stays comfortable all summer long. Reach out to us and we can get you back up and running for the long hot Southern California summer head.

Posts Tagged: Thermostat

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