Although you may think that having a frozen evaporator coil means you’re receiving frigid, cold air conditioning throughout your home, it actually means the opposite. Having a frozen air conditioner means your house isn’t being cooled down properly and can leave you feeling humid and uncomfortable. Running your AC with a frozen coil can make it worse, so the first thing you should do is turn your system off. Here are a few reasons why your air conditioner might freeze up.
- Proper airflow is essential for a well-functioning air conditioner. Dirty return grates, clogged air filters, and dusty vents can restrict airflow and cause your system to freeze. When your system is not receiving sufficient airflow, the temperature of your evaporator coil can fall below 32 degrees Fahrenheit and freeze the condensation in your unit.
- Condensation from dehumidifying your home can also freeze if your evaporator coils are dirty. The condensation collects on the coils while some is absorbed, and the rest falls to your system’s drip pan. When your coils are dirty and not enough water is absorbed, it causes your drip pan to overflow – leaving your coils sitting in water and unable to receive the necessary airflow.
- Your home’s air is cooled down by flowing over evaporator coils filled with refrigerant, which makes them cold. If your refrigerant levels are low, the pressure within your lines weakens, and the refrigerant cannot do its job properly. This causes an increased amount of condensation or a dip in temperature that both lead to a frozen system.
- Without a working fan, cold air can become trapped in your system instead of being pushed through your air ducts and into your home. A lack of necessary airflow and too much cold air surrounding your evaporator coil will prevent condensation from evaporating properly and can freeze your unit.
Leaving your system frozen and running for long periods of time can cause long-term damage to your air conditioner. For professional help when your air conditioner freezes up, contact Champion AC & Plumbing! Our team of experienced technicians has your AC repair covered.