What Causes Frozen Coil In Air Conditioners? 4 Possible Causes

Every homeowner wants their air conditioner to be always in good condition for maximum comfort. One of the best ways to ensure your AC works efficiently is to know how it operates and the problems that can crop up, particularly with its most important parts, such as the evaporator coils. Your evaporator coil absorbs heat in the interior air until you have a cool and comfortable living space. However, it is usually plagued by issues such as freezing, which can compromise your AC efficiency. Here are four reasons your evaporator may freeze and why seeking AC repair services is important.

1. Dirty Air Filter

AC contractors recommend that you change your AC air filter regularly, and for a good reason. When your air filter is dirty, less warm air reaches the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze. A frozen evaporator coil cannot absorb the heat, which leads to a pretty uncomfortable living space. Also, when water from the formed ice melts, it can overflow the drain pan leading to AC leaks which could cause mold growth. When you call an AC repair contractor, they can replace the clogged filter to ensure adequate airflow into the system.

2. Broken Fan

The fan is responsible for circulating air over the evaporator coil. If the fan is not working properly, it means less air circulation, and the evaporator coil may become too cold and freeze. As mentioned, a frozen evaporator coil means an inefficient system. Therefore, get in touch with an AC repair contractor to restore your unit and preserve its service life.

3. Damaged Condensate Line

When your interior air is cooled, it releases humidity, which turns into moisture. The condensate line carries this moisture from your AC to the exterior of your home to prevent corrosion and mold infestation. With time the line can develop clogs from dirt, algae, and gunk. A clogged drain line means standing water, which may freeze the evaporator coil. Fortunately, an AC repair contractor will fix the condensate line and get your unit running as it should.

4. Refrigerant Leak

The refrigerant is why hot air cools down when it passes over the evaporator coil. If the refrigerant leaks, its pressure reduces, leading to excessive heat absorption, which could freeze the evaporator coil. Besides freezing your evaporator coil, a leaking refrigerant can cause health complications and reduce your AC lifespan.

You should keep a close eye on your AC to catch malfunctions and fix them promptly to ensure your AC is working optimally. That said, if your AC has a frozen coil, reach out to a seasoned repair technician ASAP. Regardless of the cause of the problem, they will fix it accurately to ensure your home is comfortable. 

To have your unit inspected, contact a local air conditioning repair service.


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