You might be wondering what a frozen evaporator coil is. Usually, it is a sign that your air conditioner unit is damaged or has a faulty component. However, not all homeowners know how to deal with a frozen evaporator coil. This is why learning some practical tips on how to troubleshoot will be very helpful.
Frozen Evaporator Coil: The Reason Behind It
Let’s talk about our air conditioning units. The evaporator in it functions by circulating refrigerant vapor at a temperature of 40 degrees, the ideal temperature to produce heat coming from the airflow, which is not cold enough to form ice.
However, when more ice accumulates on the coil, it adds more formations until a block of ice fully encases the coil. It becomes a matter to worry about when the blower starts to strain while pulling air through the frozen coil. Unfortunately, this results in the overheating of the compressor and other parts of the AC system.
In some instances, the overload protection can make the air conditioning system stop functioning. Or, it can lead to the circuit breaker getting damaged. But what happens when the ice starts melting? The water will flow, then flow outside the air handler, which may lead to leaks and drips that may affect the ventilation system and home circulation.
Helpful Tips When Troubleshooting a Frozen Evaporator Coil
Do the following when you notice that there is a frozen evaporator coil in your air conditioning unit:
Make sure to turn off your AC by the thermostat
Perhaps, you never want to see that the frozen evaporator coil is about to bring bigger damage. To minimize the risk, you need to turn off your AC by the thermostat. Then, you can turn on the “fan-only” setting. It will allow the unit to produce and blow warm air on the coils and make the melting process faster. But when the ice formed has been extended to the condensate drip pan under the air handler, it will be advisable to prepare containers to prevent the dripping water from reaching other parts of the unit.
Check the air filter
Examining the air filter is a critical step to ensure that your AC system is in good condition. Check for clogged filters; it can cause a reduced airflow that may lead to the formation of ice on the surfaces of the freezing coil. It is always an excellent decision to inspect your AC’s air filter. Make sure to clean and replace the filter to prevent any damage.
You may need a new filter to replace the dirty one right away. To do this, wait for the ice to melt from the coil before using the air conditioning unit again. If you’ve been doing this several times, what you need to do is turn off the AC system and call for a reliable AC servicing company to help you.
Inspect and clean your blowers
Inspect the AC’s blower and look for some signs of dirt or malfunctioning. When you find traces of these problems, perform prompt action. Make sure to clean your blower to ensure good airflow. Contact a professional technician to perform an inspection and ensure proper maintenance of the whole AC unit. This will also prevent the whole AC system from having a frozen evaporator coil.
Conclusion
Your air conditioning unit is one of the things usually taken for granted at home until you sense something seems wrong. Make it a habit to check your AC system for leaks, dirty filters, and other possible issues. Do not take for granted the assistance that a professional HVAC technician can offer. They are well-trained and knowledgeable when it comes to checking issues regarding the proper functioning of the AC unit.
Some troubleshooting tips may save your AC unit from further damage. However, if you’re looking for quality air conditioning services, we’re here to help. Good Guys Home Services provides air conditioning, heating, and plumbing solutions as well as regular maintenance and repair services in Central Indiana and Florida. Contact us today!
