Possible Culprits of Frozen AC Coils

A functional AC is crucial for a healthy and comfortable home during the hot season. The cooling system regulates the temperature and ensures good indoor air quality. As such, the importance of a functional AC cannot be stressed enough.

However, while the AC is made to last, that does not make the system infallible. The AC unit is prone to malfunctions, perhaps due to wear and tear or poor system maintenance. One common issue is when the AC coils freeze over. Discover some potential culprits of frozen AC coils and what to do.

Clogged Filters

The cooling unit requires a constant flow of air to function. But first, the air must go through the filters to remove dust, pollen, and other debris circulating your home.

Over time, the debris may accumulate on the filter, causing it to clog up. Consequently, the blockage restricts proper airflow, which may cause moisture to settle on the coils and eventually freeze over.

The best way to prevent this problem is to clean or replace your filters every one to two months. Also, look for other signs of faulty air filters, such as reduced air quality and increased energy bills to establish if the air filters are due for cleaning or replacement.

Faulty Thermostat

The thermostat is like the brain of the AC unit. This component runs on a schedule to keep your home at a comfortable temperature and turn off when not needed.

If the thermostat is broken or faulty, it may sense the wrong temperature or stop working entirely. In return, the AC may run continuously and freeze the coils due to prolonged exposure.

If you suspect your thermostat is faulty, hire an experienced technician to replace it promptly. The technician will also conduct a full inspection of the unit to determine if other underlying issues are causing the coils to freeze.

Leaky Refrigerant

The refrigerant is probably the most critical component of an AC system. This chemical travels throughout the unit, absorbing and releasing heat to cool the air in your home.

But the unit must have high pressure for the heating and cooling process to occur. If the refrigerant leaks, there won't be adequate pressure, which causes the chemical absorbs more heat than it should. In turn, this creates low temperatures and eventually freezing of the coils.

Note that leaky refrigerant is not just an AC problem but may also harm the environment. Moreover, it is illegal to leave the refrigerant leaking. So, as soon as you notice signs of refrigerant leakage, call in a qualified technician to inspect and repair the unit.

Clogged Condensation Line

Most AC systems come with a condensation line, which drains out the moisture created during the cooling process. But when this line is clogged due to dust and debris, the issue inhibits the system's proper functioning.

Since moisture will have no passage, it may start to back up. And if the moisture sits on the coils for a long, they will eventually freeze up.

Besides frozen coils, you can tell if you have a condensate line problem if you notice awful odors from the HVAC or visible moisture pooling near your indoor unit. In that case, let a professional come in for an inspection. The specialist has the tools and skills to determine the root of the issue and unclog the condensate line if necessary.

Now that you understand the possible causes of frozen AC coils, you can take adequate measures to prevent this problem. You can also detect the issue early and repair it before further damage.

You can trust us at Sta So Cool HVAC for expert AC repair services. Our technicians are knowledgeable and experienced in handling HVAC issues, including frozen coils. Contact us for a consultation, and let's discuss how we can help restore the functionality of your AC unit.