Troubleshooting a Frozen Evaporator Coil in Your AC

A frozen evaporator coil is a sign that is commonly associated with a faulty or damaged air conditioner unit. In this article, we’ll show you different troubleshooting tips you can try once you’ve determined that your AC has a frozen ac unit coil evaporator.

Why Does an Evaporator Coil Freeze?

In an air conditioner system, the evaporator operates by circulating refrigerant vapor at about 40 degrees; this is just the right amount of temperature to extract heat from the airflow that makes its way through the coil but never cold enough to produce ice.

As more ice forms on the coil, it tends to result in more formations until the coil becomes totally encased in a block of ice. The damage starts as the blower begins to strain while it’s pulling air through the frozen coil, causing the part to overheat and even overwork the compressor.

As a result, the overload protections shut down the air conditioning system or cause the circuit breaker to trip. Then as the block of ice in the coil starts melting, a surge of water begins flowing outside the air handler — resulting in leaks and occasional drips in the home circulation or ventilation system.

Troubleshooting Tips for a Frozen Evaporator Coil

1. Turn off the AC at the thermostat - To minimize further damage, turn off the aircon by the thermostat and turn the fan switch to “fan only” mode. Doing this will enable the unit to blow warm air over the coils and speeden up the melting process. However, if the ice formation has already extended beyond the condensate drip pan beneath the air handle, it’s recommended that you prepare several containers to catch the dripping water.
   

2. Inspect the air filter - Check the air filter thoroughly for signs of a clogged filter. Having a clogged filter can greatly reduce airflow, causing the ice to form on the freezing coil surfaces. That’s why it’s always best to inspect the air filter and have it cleaned or replaced to prevent this from happening.
   

3. Install a new filter for dirty ones - For dirty and clogged filters, perform a new filter replacement right away. Simply wait for the frozen ice to melt off the coil and then restart the aircon system. If icing starts forming again, just shut down the system altogether and contact a professional aircon servicing company to come in for repair and maintenance.
   

4. Check dirty or malfunctioning blowers - Inspect the aircon’s blower fan for signs of malfunctioning or any traces of dirt. A dirty or a faulty blower can often result in little to no airflow. You can contact an air conditioning technician to perform a check-up and maintenance on the blower if this is what causes the system’s evaporator coil to freeze.
   

What to Do With a Frozen AC Evaporator Coil

Performing these simple troubleshooting tips can help you in alleviating the symptoms of a frozen evaporator coil. However, for extreme cases or situations that are no longer within your control, it’s best to contact a professional aircon provider right away. Schedule a free consultation and an appointment with us today at Oasis Aircon!