The Thawing Point: Dealing with Frozen AC Coil

Air conditioning units are a blessing, especially during the blistering summer heat.  However, it can be quite troubling to find a frozen AC coil and your HVAC unit not working in such conditions.  And unfortunately it can happen due to several contributing factors to this situation. Understanding why this happens will help to prevent future inconveniences and protect your home's comfort level.

Why Does a Coil Freeze?

A frozen AC coil is a symptom of a malfunction, and it reduces the unit's efficiency significantly.  When the coil is icy, it cannot absorb heat from the air efficiently, and this prevents your AC from cooling your home.  Besides discomfort, it can lead to further damage if not addressed promptly.  For instance, as the coil defrosts, it can lead to water dripping, causing potential damage to the other components of your AC unit or even lead to a full-blown failure due to water damage.  Moreover, a perpetually frozen AC coil (or ignoring the underlying issues) can lead to compressor failure, the most costly part of the system.  This can happen due to a few potential causes.

Restricted Airflow

A significant cause for a frozen AC coil is inadequate airflow.  The cooling process depends on a steady flow of air over the evaporator coils, gathering heat from your home and releasing it outside.  If the air filter is dirty or the duct work is obstructed, it can constrict the airflow, causing the temperature of the coil to drop and eventually freeze.  Make sure you perform basic maintenance (like changing your filter regularly) to keep your system clean and the air flowing freely.

Low Refrigerant

Another reason could be a lack of refrigerant.  The refrigerant in your AC absorbs the heat from your home's air and helps cool it.  If your system has a refrigerant leak, it can cause the pressure to drop, resulting in a lower refrigerant temperature that may freeze the coils.

How to Deal with a Frozen AC Coil

If your AC unit is experiencing frequent freezes, it's crucial to address the problem immediately.  A professional HVAC technician can help diagnose the specific reason for the freezing and perform the appropriate services to get your unit back to working condition.  But before you call a technician you need to unfreeze your unit.  A frozen unit can't have diagnostics performed on it.

To unfreeze your unit, turn the cooling function off and turn on the fan only.  Let it run like this for several hours before having someone work on it.  If you call us and tell us your coil is frozen, we will ask you to put it in fan only mode and then we will set you an appointment for several hours later.

In conclusion, a frozen AC coil should never be ignored.  Recognizing what can cause your HVAC unit to freeze and understanding the significance of a frozen AC coil is vital.  Frequent maintenance and checks can substantially reduce the probability of such occurrences, protecting your investment, and ensuring uninterrupted comfort.  Remember, it's always easier and more cost-efficient to prevent problems rather than fixing them after they have occurred.