What causes a frozen evaporator coil and what can you do?
Freezing air conditioner coils is a problem that can have many sources, and if you do not have knowledge, it isn't easy to ascertain the exact cause. If you notice that a layer of ice has formed on your air conditioner's indoor unit, it's definitely a sign of a malfunction, but how do you know what it is? We'll discuss this common problem with air conditioning systems and what you can do once you discover it.
Signs of frozen coils in air conditioners
You can recognize this problem by ice or frost forming on the coils themselves or the air conditioner's indoor unit pipes. However, in some cases, you may not have access to the indoor unit and therefore not see the signs described. How else can you tell there is a problem with the coils?
If you notice that your air conditioner is blowing warm air instead of cold air or the indoor unit of the air conditioner is not blowing, this is likely a sign of frozen coils. In turn, the ice that forms can lead to increased moisture in the unit and the appearance of a water leak from the air conditioner. Water can damage the entire system as well as your property.
Here are the top 5 problems that can lead to freezing air conditioner coils.
- Dirty air filters
One of the causes of freezing coils is a dirty air filter. When this component is left uncleaned for a long time, a layer of dust and dirt accumulates, which obstructs the airflow and thus reduces the unit's efficiency.
When air does not circulate freely in the system, the coils become too cold, and ice forms around them. - Damaged fans
The other component on which proper air circulation in the system depends is the fan. If it is damaged or dirty, the airflow will likely be blocked, and the air conditioner's evaporator coils will freeze again. - Clogged air conditioner drain pipe
The function of the drainpipe is to drain accumulated water from the system. During the operation of the air conditioner, moisture accumulates and condenses into water. The pipes that drain the water to the floor drains are called drain pipes or condenser pipes.
As the water drains, various dirt and algae are carried and accumulates. This dirt needs to be cleaned regularly to ensure that the water drains out of the system smoothly. If the pipe becomes blocked, water gets trapped inside the system and can freeze, especially if it is next to the evaporator coil, as this is the coldest area in the air conditioner. - A malfunctioning thermostat
The temperature the thermostat reads determines how efficiently the air conditioner will operate and how quickly it will reach the set degrees.
If your thermostat is faulty, it will read the room temperature incorrectly and therefore the air conditioner will not be efficient. This will not only make it harder for the unit to work, but it will also overload it and cause the coils to freeze.
If you notice that the system is struggling to maintain a constant temperature or cannot reach your set degrees at all, it is highly likely due to a malfunctioning thermostat. - Refrigerant leak
All air conditioners operate with a refrigerant whose function is to absorb heat by passing through the coils. If there is a Freon leak, the pressure drops, and more heat is absorbed than necessary. As a consequence, the damaged coils of the air conditioner freeze.
Freon leakage from the air conditioner is dangerous, and if you suspect such a fault, you should turn off the unit and contact an air conditioning technician. This is because Freon is a chemical that is harmful to humans and the environment.
What to do if there is ice on the air conditioner coils?
You can try checking each of the components listed. Be sure to turn the unit off to prevent damage to the compressor.
You can then try to troubleshoot the airflow and drainage problem. By this time, the frozen evaporator coils should have thawed. If thawing still continues, you can help it along with a hairdryer, but be careful.
Once the coils have thawed completely, turn the system on. Then check to see if any of the actions you have taken have solved the problem. If not, you probably have a refrigerant leak or one of the components needs to be repaired. Seek the help of a professional technician to inspect and repair the system.
On Midea page, you can find some of the most advanced air conditioners on the market, which feature self-cleaning functions for the indoor unit, Freon leak detection, and many other innovative features. Through our website, you can also get in touch with the distributors from whom you can purchase your unit. Contact us if you need any advice.