One of the most frequent reasons that an air conditioner stops cooling effectively is a frozen evaporator coil. When ice is present on your coil, it indicates that something is preventing your system from operating properly. Understanding what causes frozen AC coils can help you take proactive steps to prevent your system from developing them.
Common Reasons Why an AC Coil Freezes
Frozen AC coils commonly happen due to restricted airflow or low refrigerant levels. Blocked supply or return vents, dirty air filters, and failing blower motors can all lead to airflow restriction. When there isn’t enough air moving over your evaporator coil, it will get too cold and start forming ice. Eventually, the ice will get so thick that the coil cannot absorb heat effectively, leaving your home feeling uncomfortable. Learning about the importance of routine air filter changes by reading our HVAC air filter guide can help you prevent unnecessary frozen coils.
Refrigerant is the lifeblood of your air conditioning system, responsible for absorbing heat from inside your home and transporting it outdoors. If your system has a refrigerant leak, it may not have enough refrigerant to actively extract heat from the air. If you suspect your system is low on refrigerant, have a professional perform a thorough evaluation. We can repair the source of the leak and recharge your refrigerant level to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Why a Frozen AC Coil Can Stop Your Home From Cooling
Your air conditioner’s evaporator coil is responsible for absorbing heat from the air in your home. Unfortunately, when ice covers the coil, it keeps heat from transferring into the coil’s refrigerant. This significantly reduces your air conditioner’s ability to adequately cool your home.
Although your system may continue to run, you’ll notice weak airflow, higher energy bills, and warmer indoor temperatures. Don’t leave this problem unresolved, as it can also place additional strain on your system’s components, leading to expensive repair bills.
What to Do When Your AC Coil Freezes
If ice builds up on your AC coil, switch its function from cooling to fan mode. You can run the fan to circulate room-temperature air over the coil to help thaw the ice. Be mindful not to use any sort of open flame, as doing so could damage your AC equipment. After the ice has melted, inspect your air filter and all the vents to ensure you have adequate airflow in your system. If the coil freezes up again, schedule a professional inspection.
How to Help Prevent a Frozen AC Coil
The best way to prevent AC coils from freezing is with routine system maintenance. As a homeowner, you need to inspect your air filter every month and replace it whenever necessary. Keep all your vents clear, and schedule professional maintenance every spring. Our technicians will take care of things like inspecting your refrigerant level, cleaning your coils, and replacing any worn-out components.
Prevent Frozen AC Coils With Chesapeake Home Services, LLC
Dealing with frozen air conditioner coils can be extremely frustrating. Luckily, there are many things that you can do to prevent this from happening. One of the most important is to schedule routine maintenance with the professionals.
Contact Chesapeake Home Services, LLC today to schedule AC maintenance or repair services at your home in Delaware or Maryland.
Frequently Asked Questions About Frozen Coils
One of the most common questions that our customers have is, “Why does my AC coil freeze?” Below, we’ll go over some of the most frequent reasons so that you can learn more about the subject.
Yes, a dirty air filter can easily restrict airflow, causing your AC coil to get too cold and eventually freeze up. Routinely replacing your air filter helps maintain proper airflow and supports efficient system operation. You can learn about replacing filters and how to choose the right one in our home air filter guide.
Yes, it’s important to immediately shut off your air conditioner if you notice that your evaporator coil is frozen. If you continue to run the appliance, it can lead to more internal damage, and it won’t effectively cool your home. If you thaw your coil and find that your AC isn’t cooling as it should, it’s important to schedule a professional evaluation.
Yes, routine HVAC maintenance is one of the best things you can do to prevent AC coils from freezing. When you schedule a service call, one of our technicians will identify small problems before they turn into big, expensive ones. We offer home service agreements that can be highly beneficial. You won’t need to remember to make your next maintenance appointment because we’ll send you an email reminder.
