Coil Freezing Up?
You know the feeling. You have been working all day. It’s hot. You are tired and can’t wait to get home and relax in your nice, cool, air conditioned home. There’s only one thing missing… the cool! Chances are your air conditioner has frozen up. This is a very common AC problem which is usually a simple fix, yet is still annoying.
WHY DOES THIS HAPPEN?
The air conditioning coil freezes up due to an uneven transfer of the cold refrigerant (Freon) in the evaporator coil to the warm air in your home. This causes the coil to get so cold that it freezes up and is usually just a simple air flow problem but occasionally, it’s a more complicated equipment or a Freon level problem.
HOW TO FIX IT
Equipment Issues
The best way to start your search for the problem is to check your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) equipment. Inspect your outside condenser, as well as your inside air handler or gas furnace to make sure that they are all running. Next, listen for the sound of the air handler fan blowing. If you cannot hear it, then this may be the source of your problem. Unless it is a simple wire disconnect or a breaker issue, repair is best left up to a HVAC technician.
If all of your equipment seems to be operating properly, yet you are not getting cool air, then the problem most likely either has to do with poor air flow, or low refrigerant levels. You can fix the air flow problems yourself most of the time, but low refrigerant levels take a technician to fix. Call in the experts!
Air Flow Problems
Poor air flow is the most common cause of freezing coils. There are a few different things that can be done to fix this issue, and all of them can be done without calling a professional.
Take a look at your air filters: both the common 1-inch, and the less common, secondary, 2-4 inch ones. If they need to be replaced, do so. This is the biggest air flow related problem.
Check your unit’s evaporator coil. If it’s clogged with dust or build-up, then this may be the problem. Wait for it to thaw a bit and clean it out.
Inspect your ductwork. If all else fails, then the problem could be something wrong with the ducts. Get to where your ducts are (attic, crawlspace, or basement usually), and make sure nothing has fallen on or shut off the air flow to the rest of the house. If so, fix the problem. If the duct has been damaged to the point of leaking, then you will most likely need to get a HVAC technician to come and replace or repair it.
When you have finished finding and fixing all of the air flow problems, try turning on the system and see if the problem is solved. If it is, then you are finished!
Low Freon Level
If you have ruled out the earlier issues, then you will most likely need Freon added to your system. This is often the problem, as being low by a couple pounds can have a noticeable negative effect on your air conditioning, and can cause freezing. If you suspect your Freon is low, then the best way to handle the problem is to have a professional come and replenish it.
CALL AN EXPERT
These are the most common problems when it comes to frozen air conditioning coils. If none of the above solutions work, then you probably have a more serious problem with your HVAC system that needs to be assessed.
The experts at Anytime Heating & Cooling are ready to help, offering 24/7 emergency repair service and scheduled appointment. Call us at (770) 504-5881.