AC coils are an important part of air conditioning units that help to keep the unit running smoothly with cool air. However, there is a possibility that you may run into issues with these coils, such as frozen AC coils. Ultimately, this issue can cause a multitude of other problems, like costly repairs or a malfunctioning system. There are some common causes of frozen AC coils, and All Year Cooling & Plumbing can tell you a few tips on how you can prevent this from happening, so that you don’t have to deal with these problems again.
What Are AC Coils in an AC Unit?
AC coils, which are often called cooling coils, are the essential components in the heat exchange process in the unit. They are a huge part of your AC unit running smoothly, and they typically are one of the common reasons for having issues with your unit, whether you’re heating or cooling. They also typically come in two types: evaporator coil or condenser coil. The evaporator coil helps to absorb heat and humidity from inside the home, while the condenser coil releases heat outside the home. If you’re dealing with these coils freezing, then you could be dealing with reduced airflow, ice buildup, and even warm air blowing inside your home.
Why Would AC Coils Freeze?
AC coils can freeze for a variety of reasons, and it can be pretty common for some units to experience this. Knowing the causes of the freezing can help you figure out how you need to have it fixed and even how to prevent it from happening again. Here is a look at some of the common reasons that your AC coils might freeze.
Insufficient Air Flow
Insufficient air flow is a common cause of AC coil freezing, and it can be due to a variety of reasons. A dirty air filter is something that can be checked and fixed yourself, but it will restrict airflow from passing through that area and prevent it from reaching the evaporator coil. A malfunctioning blower fan is also another potential cause for this; this can lead to reduced air flow, which causes the coil to freeze. Blocked or collapsed ducts can also be another reason for insufficient air flow, as these ducts help to carry the air through them, and if they are blocked or collapsed, this can cause the air flow to not pass through.
Low Refrigerant
This is an easier cause of insufficient air flow, as the refrigerant in the unit may just be low and needs to be refilled. Sometimes, though, this can be caused because of a refrigerant leak, which, in that case, the leak would need to be repaired and the refrigerant replaced.
Dirty Coils
Sometimes the AC coils get dirty with extra buildup, which causes the air flow to be constricted. This can prevent heat transfer and cause the coils to freeze as a result.
Condensate Drain Line Clogged
If the condensate drain line is clogged, this can cause moisture from the coils to back up and freeze onto the coil.
How to Prevent Your AC Coils From Freezing
As a homeowner or a renter, you can actually do a variety of things to prevent your AC coils from freezing, especially in the summer months when you are running your air conditioning more frequently.
Change Your Air Filters Regularly
You should be changing your air filters regularly inside your home. How frequently depends on the type of filter you get, so be sure to check that and change it when needed. If you’re not changing your air filters regularly, this could lead to problems with your air flow, which can lead to your AC coils freezing over and causing more potential problems.
Manage Your Thermostat Settings Efficiently
Make sure that you are not setting your thermostat too low, as this can make the evaporator coil temperature drop below freezing, which will cause it to freeze over. You can also consider zoning or a programmable thermostat that allows you more control over the temperature in your home and avoids your thermostat getting too low.
Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance
You should schedule regular maintenance on your HVAC to get a tune up and any necessary maintenance caught before you have a need for costly repairs. This also helps to keep your HVAC in good standing and catch potential problems quickly, like refrigerant leaks, which can cause coils to freeze.
What Should You Do if You Suspect Frozen Coils?
If you suspect that you have frozen coils, there are a few steps that you should take to ensure that no additional damage will happen. This is important to avoid having extra problems, costly damages, and the need for emergency HVAC services. First, you’ll want to turn off the AC unit immediately to avoid any further damage. Secondly, switch the fan on your thermostat to “on” to help the ice melt. Remember, don’t try to chip away or melt the ice on your own. Lastly, contact an HVAC technician for a diagnosis and repair.
Our Final Thoughts on Frozen Coils and Prevention
Frozen AC coils are something that can be quite common, especially in the summer months, but it is still an issue that should be repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your unit. The coils are an important component of your unit to ensure that the AC is running efficiently and effectively. There are a few main causes of this, and some different techniques for prevention, so if you are dealing with frozen coils, you can try to avoid this problem again in the future. If you suspect that you have frozen coils, it’s important to follow the steps that we outlined in this article so that you can avoid further damage. Contact us at All Year Cooling & Plumbing if you find that you have frozen coils or any other potential issues with your AC unit during the summer months that need immediate diagnosis and repair. We understand the need for an efficient AC system in Florida to ensure that your home is cool, comfortable, and running smoothly.