When you notice your AC stops blowing cold air, it is never a good sign. There is more than one possible cause of course but today we want to focus on the possibility of a frozen evaporator coil.
Your air conditioner’s evaporator coil absorbs heat and works alongside the condenser coil to complete the heat exchange process that results in the cool air blowing through your vents.
Frozen evaporator coils can occur even in a well-maintained system. If you suspect your AC may have this issue, there are a few common causes–in any situation though you should reach out for expert AC repair in Pensacola, FL.
Signs of a Frozen Evaporator Coil
When your evaporator coil is frozen, your AC won’t be able to complete heat transfers during a cooling cycle. This means the air that blows out of your vents will be warm.
Aside from this somewhat obvious sign of a problem other indicators of a frozen evaporator coil to watch out for include:
- Ice is visible on the unit’s internal or external coils.
- You notice extra moisture or condensation around your home or AC unit.
- Your air conditioner is short cycling
What Causes an Evaporator Coil to Freeze?
There are a few potential causes for this issue. Let’s look at three of the most common.
Dirty Coil
Regular AC tune-ups and maintenance are important to keep your system clean. The build-up of dirt and dust on the coil can cause it to freeze over. As your coil becomes dirtier, you’ll also likely notice a decrease in airflow as overall system pressure decreases.
Without regular cleaning, dirt can cause AC has to work harder than usual, which causes them to eventually wear out entirely and require replacement early.
Refrigerant Leak
Refrigerant is what makes your AC what it is; it runs through your AC coil to absorb heat. Without enough refrigerant, the pressure in the coil drops, and the coil absorbs less heat than it should.
Ultimately, this causes it to freeze over.
Leaking refrigerant is harmful to the environment and your air conditioner. If you suspect your AC is leaking, you should have a professional take a look right away to patch and refill it properly.
Weak Airflow
Weak airflow can stem from a dirty or clogged air filter or issues with your fan. If there is less air flowing into your system, there is less heat being absorbed by the refrigerant in the coil. This can lead the coil to become too cold and freeze.
You can avoid the problem with your air filter by changing your filter every one to three months. This keeps airflow strong and clean.
Addressing bad blower motor fan blades is a bit tougher. This is something that requires a professional for repairs. Trust us when we say repairing a fan blade is far easier and less costly than addressing a frozen coil.
Whatever issues you experience, the Commander Air Inc. team is here to help. Your hometown heating and cooling specialist for three generations. Schedule your AC system repairs with one of our experts today.