When you need fast and reliable AC services, call our Topline Heating & Air team at (717) 628-6825!
This year it felt like the cold season would never die down. Now that the air is getting warmer and the sun seems to be shining brighter, homeowners across the country are getting ready to boot up their air conditioners for the first time. However, sometimes when an AC system sits dormant through the fall and winter months, problems arise that don’t become apparent until you turn it on.
One of the most common problems we deal with in the HVAC industry is frozen AC coils. Several issues can cause AC coils to freeze over. Some of them are simple and easy to fix, while others are more complex and require the attention of someone with training and experience to handle them.
In this article, we review the most common causes of frozen coils in your air conditioning system and tell you how to prevent them. If you’re looking for reliable AC maintenance in Honey Brook, PA, call our Topline Heating & Air team. No HVAC company in the area cares more about providing top-notch service to every customer.
1. Dirty Air Filters
One of the most simple issues that cause frozen AC coils dirty air filters. Your AC system’s evaporator coils are responsible for cooling the refrigerant to extract the heat from the air in your house. If the system has poor airflow, it won’t deliver the unconditioned air efficiently, resulting in a frozen evaporator coil.
Dirty air filters full of dust and debris block air from moving through the system. Changing your air filter every 90 days promotes healthy airflow through your HVAC system. If you have dogs or cats, you may need to change it more often.
If you don’t know how to change your unit’s air filter, a professional HVAC technician can do it for you.
2. Faulty Blower Fan
Another crucial component for consistent airflow in your AC system is the blower fan. The blower fan is the device that delivers the unconditioned air to the evaporator coil to extract its heat. If the blower fan’s motor overheats, shorts out, or breaks down, the evaporator coil will become too cold and freeze over. A blower fan with dust collecting on the blades will move less air and put added strain on the blower motor.
A licensed HVAC technician can inspect your blower fan and make any necessary repairs. At Topline Heating & Air, our reliable professionals include blower fan cleaning as part of our routine maintenance service.
3. Clogged Condensate Drain Line
It’s normal for your air conditioner to emit a certain amount of condensation. As the condensation forms, it drips into a drain pan underneath the AC system’s indoor unit. As the drain pan fills, the water flows into a pipe called the condensate drain line and exits your house.
If the condensate drain line has a blockage or clog, the water will have nowhere to go. As the condensation accumulates in the drain pan, it will begin to overflow and pour into your home. If water begins to collect beneath the evaporator coil, it can cause the coil and the excess water to freeze.
A blocked condensate drain line can result in expensive water damage in your home as well as severe damage to your HVAC system. A qualified technician can repair the system and prevent the issue from worsening and becoming more costly.
4. Thermostat Malfunction
Your thermostat is the nerve center of your air conditioning system. Once you program your settings in the thermostat, it takes over and monitors the temperature throughout your home to keep it cool and comfortable for you and your family. It controls the system and dictates what temperature your living space must be before it can shut down and rest.
If your thermostat malfunctions, it may misread your home’s temperature and send incorrect signals to your HVAC system. Once your air conditioner becomes overworked, vital components will begin to overheat and slow down. As the system struggles to keep up with the demands of the thermostat, airflow, and refrigerant movement will slow down throughout the system, causing frozen AC coils.
When you turn on your air conditioner for the first time this year, check that the thermostat is on the “cool” setting. Also, ensure you have programmed the thermostat to the proper temperature. If you suspect your thermostat is responsible for your frozen AC coils, schedule an appointment with a certified HVAC technician who can repair your thermostat or install a new one.
5. Refrigerant Leak
One of the more serious issues that can lead to frozen AC coils is a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant is the chemical that travels from the evaporator coil to the condenser coil and back again through the refrigerant line in your AC system. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the air in your home and delivers it to the condenser coil in the outdoor unit’s compressor, where the system releases it into the air outside.
If your refrigerant is low, it won’t be able to absorb the heat from the air in your house. When this occurs, your AC system will circulate warm air back through your ducts and vents. Refilling your refrigerant will fix the problem temporarily until the leak causes your refrigerant level to drop again.
Refrigerant is a hazardous chemical that can cause respiratory issues and chemical burns if not handled correctly. Refrigerant is also harmful to the environment, which is why many states have passed laws requiring home and business owners to fix leaking refrigerant lines immediately. An experienced professional can inspect and repair your refrigerant lines quickly and safely and keep your system running smoothly.
Call Topline Heating & Air Today!
If you suspect you have frozen AC coils in your system, contact our experts at Topline Heating & Air. Our knowledgeable staff can handle any HVAC issues you may have. To learn more about our evaporator coil services, call our office in Honeybrook, PA, at (717) 628-6825 or our Lancaster, PA, location at (717) 482-1667 to schedule an appointment today.