You can expect some uncomfortably hot summer days if your AC system has a frozen evaporator coil. When frozen, it won’t be able to absorb heat from the inside of your home effectively.
Your AC system may still turn on, but a frozen evaporator coil will almost certainly have a negative impact on its cooling performance. If you discover your AC system has a frozen evaporator coil, you can try to thaw it.
Turn Off AC System
Start by turning off your AC system. Allowing your AC system to run with a frozen evaporator coil is never a good idea. As the compressor pumps refrigerant through your AC system, it may contribute to the formation of more ice.
The refrigerant will become cooler after leaving the condenser coil. The cold refrigerant may freeze any atmospheric condensation upon reaching the evaporator coil.
Turning your AC system off will raise the temperature of the refrigerant. The refrigerant will become stagnant. It won’t move through your AC system, meaning it will become warmer.
Let the Fan Run
You can often thaw a frozen evaporator coil by running the fan. You don’t need to run your AC system, instead, turn on the fan while keeping your AC system turned off.
Fans often run synchronously with AC systems. If your AC system is running, the fan will likely run with it. You can force the fan to run while your AC is off by adjusting the thermostat.
You should see an ON and AUTO option for the fan on your thermostat. Turning it to the ON option will force the fan to run indefinitely – or until you switch it back to the AUTO option.
When you can see that the condenser is no longer frozen you can turn the thermostat back to the AUTO position.
Contact a Professional
You’ll ultimately want to contact a professional. Evaporator coils shouldn’t freeze in normal operating conditions. Even if you’re able to thaw your AC system’s evaporator coil, it will probably refreeze unless you fix the underlying problem.
Maybe there’s an obstruction in your AC system’s ductwork, or perhaps your AC system has a blown seal that’s leaking refrigerant. A professional heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) technician can diagnose your AC system to determine why the evaporator coil is freezing.
The HVAC technician can also recommend a service to fix the problem so that your AC system’s evaporator coil stops freezing and begins to function as intended.
If you are experiencing a problem with your air conditioning or heating call us at 512-336-1431 to schedule an appointment. We’ll be glad to come out and take a look at the issue.
1431-183 A/C & Heating proudly serves Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Leander, Liberty Hill, and North Austin.
