There are many components to an air conditioner that keep it functioning smoothly and efficiently. If any of these parts are hindered in any capacity, it affects the performance of the air conditioner. When the air conditioner’s coils freeze over, that can be an indication of many issues, but when they do freeze, it prevents cool air form circulating in the home. Today, we at Ambient Heating and Air Conditioning would like to expound on frozen air conditioner coils.

Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air

In many instances, homeowners and professionals alike will investigate the air conditioner when the home is not adequately cooling, if at all, only to find the coils have frozen over. The frozen coils are preventing the air conditioner from producing and delivering cool air and there could be several reasons as to why.

How AC Refrigerant Works With Evaporator Coils?

One of the primary components of a central air conditioner is the evaporator coils. The refrigerant is within these coils; the job of the refrigerant is to absorb the heat from the air that the air handler blows over the coils. Following the treatment, the now cooler return air is circulated back throughout the rooms of the home.

Excessive Condensation from Air Conditioning System

The air conditioner is responsible for cooling the air in your home as well as assisting in humidity levels. Moisture is pulled out of the air during the cooling process, contributing to dehumidifying the home. That same moisture that is removed from the air is known as condensation which will sometimes accumulate and spill over on the coils. The excess moisture will filter down to the drip down where it is flushed down the drain, causing no issues in normal day to day function. However, when there is another problem that freezes the condensation, it can cause layers of ice to build up on the evaporator coils.

Reasons Evaporator Coils Freeze Up

If the evaporator coils have frozen over, there are several problems that result in that symptom; the most common reasons are as follows:
– Airflow inconsistencies: Anything that is restricting the air flow such as air duct leaks, clogged air filters and/or air registers that are blocked can be what are producing frozen coils. If the return air blowing over your evaporator coils is inadequate, the coils won’t have enough heat to absorb from the air, resulting in frozen coils.
– Evaporator coils are dirty: Preventing the coils from absorbing heat from your home’s air and causing frozen coils, is the dirt and debris that builds up on the evaporator coils surface. Too much buildup disrupts the cooling process.
– Refrigerant level is low: The air conditioner requires specific refrigerant levels. If the refrigerant is lacking, the heat isn’t absorbed from your home’s air. This not only leaving the coils frozen but results in uncomfortable temperatures in the home. Generally if the A/C is insufficiently charged of refrigerant, there is more than likely a leak.

Air Conditioning Services in Springfield, Granby, Holyoke, South Hadley, Monson, Chicopee & Agawam Massachusetts

If your investigation to deficient cool air leads you to discover that your coils haven frozen, first switch off the air conditioner from your thermostat. Allow a few hours for the coils to thaw, leaving the A/C off. It is important to let the coils thoroughly thaw before switching the air conditioner back on. While you are waiting for the frozen coils to thaw, check your air filters and clean or replace them if they are in need; additionally, clean any buildup or debris from off the coils. If the problem persists, contact Ambient Heating and Air Conditioning for assessment and repairs.