Why Is My Evaporator Coil Frozen?

May 20, 2024

Discovering a frozen evaporator coil can lead to an uncomfortably warm house as temperatures inside start to mirror those outside. Typically, this issue causes your air conditioning unit to cease operation, which, surprisingly, is beneficial. Running your AC with a frozen coil could lead to significant damage, affecting the blower motor and other connected components.

This guide will help you understand the potential reasons for your evaporator coil freezing and offer solutions to resolve the issue. We'll cover:

Common causes of a frozen evaporator coil
Problems caused by frozen evaporator coil

Prompt action is crucial if you're experiencing problems with your air conditioner. At Advanced Air, we're equipped to address a range of AC problems, from frozen evaporator coils to malfunctioning condensers.

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Common Causes of a Frozen Evaporator Coil

Many things can cause a frozen evaporator coil, but they usually fall into one of three categories.

Restricted Airflow

The air moving through your air conditioner keeps your house cool, but if it's trapped in the evaporator, it turns that area into a freezer, eventually causing it to ice over. Some of the most common reasons for restricted airflow might be a dirty or clogged air filter, dirt or debris in your ducts, or blocked vents. These are easy to check on and handle as a DIY solution.

Low Refrigerant Levels

The refrigerant in your AC unit works a little counterintuitively. From the name, you might expect it to provide cooling. Instead, it acts as a heat absorber for your home's interior, transferring that heat to the evaporator. The result is that low absorption levels mean your evaporator gets too cold and eventually freezes. You must contact an HVAC professional to help with low refrigerant levels. Many refrigerants aren't available to the general public and require special handling during disposal.

Faulty Components

Sometimes things misfire. Maybe your thermostat freezes and stops telling your AC when to turn off. If your blower motor breaks, air doesn't move quickly enough through the system, causing the evaporator to freeze. If you suspect a part malfunction, it's probably time to call Advanced Air for help.

Problems Caused by Frozen Evaporator Coil

A frozen evaporator coil can trigger a range of issues, diminishing both the performance and efficiency of your air conditioning system. Here are some key problems that may arise from a frozen evaporator coil:

Reduced Cooling Capacity: The ice limits refrigerant flow, impairing the system's ability to extract heat from the indoor environment, leading to less effective cooling.
Increased Energy Consumption: The air conditioner must operate longer and exert more effort to cool the space, leading to higher energy bills.
Water Leakage: Thawing of the frozen coil can cause water to leak around the unit's indoor section. This leakage can damage walls, ceilings, or floors if not promptly managed.
System Malfunction: Extensive freezing of the evaporator coil can cause significant system malfunctions, such as compressor damage or electrical problems, potentially leading to expensive repairs and operational downtime.

How to Fix a Frozen Evaporator Coil

Initially, cleaning the coils might seem like a viable solution for a frozen evaporator coil. However, if the issue persists, it's essential to seek the expertise of an HVAC professional for a potential repair or replacement of the evaporator coil. Recurring freezing often stems from underlying problems that require professional diagnosis and repair to restore your air conditioner's functionality effectively.

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