Frozen Coils: Why You Don’t Have Cool Air
When the weather is at its warmest in Springdale, AR, you expect your air conditioner to provide relief. But one day, you might notice that the air blowing through the vent is warm or weak. An HVAC frozen coil could cause this issue. What can you do when this happens?
You’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to learn why air conditioning coils freeze up, the signs that it has happened, and what you can do to repair this problem so cool air will fill your home again.
What Causes an Air Conditioning Coil to Freeze?
There are several causes for a frozen coil. However, the most common is a lack of airflow. Other problems include dirty air filters or problematic ductwork. These issues can cause weak airflow and stop your equipment from running properly. This lack of airflow leads to a drop in temperature, and the coils freeze.
A refrigerant leak or mechanical issues can also lead to frozen coils. When the unit begins to cool, condensation is created. It can pool on the coils and freeze when it isn’t properly drained. Then, ice acts as an insulator on the coil and stops the heat transfer process.
If you’re experiencing any of these problems, your air conditioner coil may be frozen:
- Your air conditioner is running, but there is no cool air moving into your home
- Ice visibly covers your indoor and outdoor coils
- Extra moisture is present around your AC unit or within your home
You may also notice your utility bill has increased because you’re trying to keep your indoor temperature comfortable.
Tips for Troubleshooting HVAC Frozen Coils
If you think you may have frozen coils, there are a few things you can try before calling your local plumber:
Change the Air Filter
A clogged air filter could be the cause of your frozen cooling coils. When the air filter is filled with particles, it restricts air from moving through the cooling system. A new filter will allow air to flow freely.
Turn the Thermostat Setting to OFF
You can turn off the thermostat, but make sure you turn the fan on. This setting allows air to move over the indoor furnace coil and begin to unfreeze it. Be patient because it could take a few hours. Check back regularly to see the progress.
Turn on Defrost Mode
This one applies only if your heating and cooling system has a heat pump. Running it in defrost mode will thaw out your furnace coil. Check the instructions for your AC unit because it could have steps for de-icing.
Repairing Frozen Air Conditioner Coils
Sometimes you need to call a trusted plumber to help with your frozen furnace coils. The following repairs need to be made by your local plumbing and HVAC contractor to get your air conditioner working again:
Coil Cleaning
When the coils are dirty, heat cannot be properly exchanged. This dirt could be the cause of your frozen coils. A trained technician can clean the coils and remove built-up dirt allowing proper heat exchange for cooling.
Refrigerant Leaks
A thorough inspection of the refrigerant system will locate the source of the leak. Then the technician can make repairs and replace the missing refrigerant to stop this issue from occurring again.
Duct Repairs
Damage to your ductwork can prevent air from moving through your cooling system. Your contractor can repair or replace damaged ducts to prevent coils from freezing.
Drain Clogs
If your cooling system has any clogs in the drain pan or lines, extra moisture will be trapped in the system, leading to frozen coils. A technician will clear any clogs that cause moisture back-up.
If you think you have frozen coils, don’t sweat it. The plumbing professionals at Stith Plumbing & HVAC in Springdale, AR, are here to help! Contact us today to see how we can help with your frozen coils.