It’s over 100 degrees outside, so why would your air conditioning evaporator coil freeze up? Your AC unit works overtime during the summer months to keep your home cool. When the air conditioner gets too cool it can actually cause the evaporator coil to freeze. Let’s better understand the evaporator coil and why the AC indoor unit may form a layer of ice. A frozen coil is not an issue to overlook as it can lead to compressor damage and AC failure.
What’s an Evaporator Coil?
One of the main AC components keeping your home cool is the evaporator coil. The air conditioning unit collects the warm air inside your house passing it over the evaporator coils. The liquid refrigerant in the metal coils quickly cools down the air and the AC blower fan sends this cool air throughout the vents inside your house. So, why would ice form on the coils? Here are four possible reasons why.
1. Clogged Air Filter
A dirty AC air filter can prevent the evaporator coils from collecting the right amount of heat from the air inside your home. A dirty air filter can clog up other parts of the AC unit with dirt and debris along with the evaporator coils.
2. Blocked Airflow
When there’s not enough warm indoor air flowing over the evaporator coils cooled by refrigerant, ice can form on the metal coils. A number of issues with your AC unit can cause a frozen evaporator coil including damaged ductwork, return vents blocked by furniture or other obstructions, or a malfunctioning blower fan.
3. Low Refrigerant Levels
Reduced levels of refrigerant in the evaporator coils can lead to condensation forming on the metal coils resulting in ice forming. Potential causes of low refrigerant levels include a coil leaking refrigerant or when the HVAC system was installed, the refrigerant wasn’t charged correctly with the right amount of refrigerant.
4. Problematic Blower Fan
The blower fan brings in warm air from your house and blows out cool air from the AC unit. If the blower fan is damaged or broken, the AC unit won’t receive enough airflow to prevent ice from forming on the evaporator coils.
We Can Help
Cool Blew’s professionals are available 24/7 to provide non-emergency and emergency AC service for our Valley of the Sun residents. Don’t hesitate to give Cool Blew a call today at 623-872-2900 to schedule an appointment. You can be confident knowing our technicians will ensure your system is working properly keeping your home cool and comfortable.
