Even the most modern, high-efficiency air conditioning systems can run into issues that cause evaporator coils to form ice and frost, which can adversely affect performance and create risks of damage.
Our team at SM Mechanical Services LLC, the industry leader in top-rated AC repair in Avon, CT, shares the following material for property owners who run into frozen coil trouble. We’ll help you know what to do and how to fix frozen AC coils, especially regarding what to do as you prepare to call us to address underlying issues.
Understanding AC Coils and Their Function
An air conditioner’s evaporator coils absorb heat and moisture from the indoor air. Located in the indoor air handling unit, they contain pressurized refrigerant circulated throughout the system that pulls heat in through the coil.
The refrigerant passes to the outdoor condenser coil, which expels heat and moisture into the outside air.
The coils require unrestricted airflow to function correctly, and poor ventilation is the leading physical reason that coils freeze.
Common Causes of Frozen AC Coils
The primary causes of coil freezing all inhibit, in one way or another, the proper transfer of indoor heat into the refrigerant contained in the coil.
- Airflow Obstruction: Poor ventilation around the coils leads to rapid temperature drop, freezing ambient water vapor before absorption. Leading sources of obstruction include clogged air filters, blocked vents, or faulty fans.
- Drainage Issues: Absorbed water should flow out of the system through the outside drain line. When the line clogs or fails, moisture backs up into the system, causing frozen coils.
- Low Refrigerant Levels: The coils and refrigerant lines are a closed system. If refrigerant leaks out and levels drop, the pressure in the system fails, lowering the temperature and inducing freezing.
- Thermostat Settings: Turning a thermostat to a very low setting and leaving it there causes an air conditioner to run constantly and over cool, producing ice and frost on the coils.
- Insulation Problems: Manufacturers install appropriate insulation around coils to prevent excess condensation that can freeze. Missing or damaged insulation causes freezing and system malfunctions.
Take These Immediate Steps When Coils Freeze To Prevent Damage
These are the first things to know about how to fix frozen AC coils. These steps will not address many of the potential underlying problems but can help to prevent further damage until an expert HVAC technician can assess your system. Addressing the problem quickly is vital to preventing more serious situations.
1. Turn Off the AC Unit
First and most importantly, turn the entire HVAC system off. Continuing to run the system with frozen coils often causes extreme stress on the compressor and leads to severe damage.
2. Begin the Thawing Process
Allow the coils to thaw naturally after shutting off the power. This can take several hours, depending on the current climate conditions and the extent of the ice buildup. You can switch the thermostat to “fan only” to circulate air around the system to assist in thawing.
Under no circumstances should you scrape or chip at the ice, which can easily cause severe damage to the delicate coil fins.
3. Check and Replace Air Filters
While the coils are thawing, inspect the air filters for dirt and clogs. Dirty filters restrict airflow, which is a leading cause of frozen coils. You should regularly change system filters every 30 to 90 days.
4. Inspect Vents and Registers
Check the vents and registers throughout your property to ensure they are open and not blocked by furniture, curtains, or rugs.
5. Call a Qualified HVAC Technician
Contact a licensed and trustworthy HVAC service provider to handle further assessment and repairs. Beyond these basic steps, there are significant risks of property damage and personal injury which an experienced and skilled technician should handle.
How HVAC Expert Technicians in Avon, Connecticut, Fix Frozen Coils
The typical protocol used by a local Avon HVAC technician involves several steps designed to restore your air conditioner to service.
- Inspection and Diagnosis: Using advanced diagnostic tools and technology, a technician can inspect your entire cooling system to locate the root causes of the frozen coils.
- Refrigerant Recharge or Repair: If the refrigerant levels are low, the technician checks for any leaks that require repair. Afterward, they recharge the system to the proper level of refrigerant.
- Clearing Drainage Issues: The technician inspects the drain line and related parts, clearing any clogs or blockages to restore proper moisture removal from the system.
- Cleaning and Maintenance: Many times, thawing reveals accumulated dust or grime that inhibits heat exchange and causes freezing. The technician uses professional materials and methods to safely clean the coils and other dirty components.
- System Calibration: The technician inspects the thermostat for proper function and calibration. If repairs or replacement are necessary, you may have options to upgrade to a more modern smart thermostat to better control cooling system function.
- Insulation and Ductwork Repair: The technician will inspect insulation and ductwork for missing material, blockages, or any other issue that requires attention.
- Fan Repair or Replacement: Sometimes, faulty or malfunctioning fan systems are the cause of inadequate ventilation and freezing coils. The technician will inspect these mechanical components for necessary repairs or replacement.
Schedule routine maintenance with a professional HVAC technician to identify and address potential issues before they become immediate problems during hot weather. Technicians inspect refrigerant levels, coils, and all other parts that can cause coil freezing trouble.
Count on SM Mechanical Services LLC for Expert HVAC Services in Avon, Connecticut
If you find yourself wondering how to fix frozen AC coils in the event of a cooling system malfunction, call our experts at SM Mechanical Services LLC as soon as you have taken the preliminary steps detailed above to prevent further system damage.
From AC installation to emergency repairs and routine maintenance and tune-ups, we cover the needs of property owners around Avon and our entire Connecticut region.
Contact us at SM Mechanical Services LLC today to schedule prompt and professional service.