If you notice that your AC evaporator coil is freezing while running your air conditioner, multiple issues may be occurring. Most of these problems will not resolve on their own. You may need the help of professionals offering AC repair services in Barrington, IL.
Discover why you should not overlook frozen coils on your air conditioner.
Understanding the Evaporator Coil
What is an evaporator coil? This metal coil contains refrigerant vapor for the air conditioner. The vapor absorbs warm, moist air from inside the home and releases it outdoors through the connected condenser coil.
When the refrigerant vapor isn’t working properly or has a low level, frost or ice may form on the evaporator coil, potentially causing the entire system to stop running.
Your Cooling System Has a Clogged Air Filter
A dirty air filter is a common reason why evaporator coils freeze. The clogged filter restricts airflow throughout the system, allowing frost and ice to form on the coils.
When air is not flowing smoothly, the refrigerant vapor cannot properly absorb heat from the home’s atmosphere. The temperature of the refrigerant vapor drops, which causes condensation on the coils to freeze.
Replacing the air filter every three months is important for maintaining proper cooling system performance. Many homeowners swap out the filter themselves, but if it’s in a difficult-to-reach location, HVAC service professionals can assist with the replacement.
Low Refrigerant Levels Can Cause Frozen AC Evaporator Coils in Barrington, IL
Low refrigerant levels are a common cause of an AC evaporator coil freezing. If your refrigerant levels are low, the system cannot generate a normal level of pressure inside the coils.
With low pressure, the vapor evaporates earlier than normal, which creates a lower temperature inside the coils. Condensation in the air freezes and turns to frost when it contacts the exterior of the coils.
Air conditioning technicians can measure the level of refrigerant and determine whether additional refrigerant is needed. Barrington, IL, follows federal regulations for managing refrigerants. Federal laws require licensed HVAC professionals to handle the refrigerant, which means homeowners cannot do this work themselves.
The state of Illinois does not manage the licensing process for HVAC technicians, which is the domain of local authorities.
Open All the Vents Inside Your Home To Improve Airflow
Some homeowners close air vents in their home to avoid heating and cooling areas they rarely use. With closed vents, however, the system experiences restricted airflow, which can cause the air conditioning coils to freeze.
Even if you don’t purposefully close vents, you may have boxes or furniture blocking them or their returns. You’ll need to remove anything that prevents the proper flow of air throughout the system.
Barrington, IL, has a humid climate, requiring homeowners to regularly run their air conditioners from May through September. With restricted airflow, the air conditioner will not run efficiently when you need it the most. Barrington, IL, homeowners must inspect their vents and remove any blockages before the cooling season arrives.
The Evaporator Coils Are Covered in Dirt and Other Contaminants
AC evaporator coil freezing can occur when the evaporator coils are contaminated with dust, pet fur, and other debris. Such contaminants inhibit the refrigerant vapor’s ability to absorb heated air from indoors, leading to the formation of frost and ice on the metal coils.
Parts of the Cooling System Are Malfunctioning
A blower motor failure or a thermostat malfunction can lead to frozen coils, as can a condensate drain clog. In either case, repairs will be necessary.
If the cooling system technicians need to repair the air conditioner to stop the coils from freezing, they can usually handle it in one visit, as their vans are stocked with common replacement parts. However, if the system is not repairable, HVAC technicians would need to pull a permit to perform a full air conditioner installation in Barrington, IL.
Call WeatherWise Heating & Cooling for Help With Freezing AC Evaporator Coils in Barrington, IL
When you notice frost building up on the evaporator coils of your home’s air conditioner, you need help from professionals. Issues with the AC evaporator coil freezing can negatively impact your cooling system’s performance, resulting in higher electric bills. You may even shorten the lifespan of the system by failing to call for professional AC maintenance and repair.
The team at WeatherWise Heating & Cooling has the expertise and tools necessary to address this issue. Contact us today for an appointment. We serve the entire Barrington, IL, area.