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Why do air conditioner coils freeze?
Causes of ice formation on air conditioner coils and how to fix this problem.
When the temperatures outside are too high or low, the air conditioner can save us from these unpleasant conditions. You might be surprised to learn that it is possible for your air conditioner not to turn on at all, for no apparent reason. This problem could be due to frozen evaporator coils.
Why can frozen coils cause an air conditioner to not work?
To find out why your air conditioner won't work when the coils freeze, you first need to understand what the function of these components is.
Everyone knows that air conditioning systems run on refrigerant. The compressor carries the refrigerant to the evaporator coil where the heat is absorbed. Should the coils freeze, they impede the heat absorption process and stop the normal flow of refrigerant.
Possible reasons of the air conditioner coils freezing can inlcude:
Dirty air filter
The main problem with dirty filters is blockage of airflow. The blockage of airflow causes the evaporator coil to freeze.
If your air conditioner is not working, open the indoor unit and check the condition of the filters. If you notice they are covered with dust and dirt, remove them and clean them.
You can carry out the cleaning easily and quickly yourself. Remove surface dirt. Then dip the filters in a basin of warm water and soap detergent. Rinse well and be careful not to damage the mesh. Then leave the filter to dry in a ventilated place.
Blocked airflow
Blocked airflow will limit the amount of heat in the system. If there is not enough heat, the evaporator coil will freeze. Also, restricting airflow can damage the ductwork, the blower.
To ensure that neither the filters, nor the vents are obstructing the airflow, you can check their condition and clean them yourself. Of course, you can always seek professional help.
Contaminated evaporator coils
The evaporator coil itself may be so dirty that it prevents normal heat exchange. With less heat, the coil begins to freeze as condensation slows.
We advise you to seek a professional technician to check the condition of the evaporator coil and clean it if necessary.
Low refrigerant
When the amount of refrigerant starts to decrease, this can also cause ice to form around the evaporator coils. Since refrigerant flows in a closed loop, if the amount of refrigerant decreases, it means there is a leak in the system. With such a failure, the air conditioner starts running more to compensate for the lack of Freon. Overloading the air conditioning system can cause the coils to freeze.
Refrigerant is hazardous to the environment and human health, so we advise against fixing this problem yourself. Trust a technician who will measure the amount of refrigerant and find where the leak is.
Low outside temperature
If the air conditioner is running in cooling mode and the outside temperature is already cold, this can cause ice to form on the coils. Typically, this is more likely to happen if the unit has been running at full power overnight.
The reason for this is that in cooling mode, the air conditioner draws warm air from the outside environment to cool it down and therefore this cooled air is blown into the room. However, if the air temperature is already low, the coils can freeze.
You can prevent this problem by using your air conditioner wisely. If you notice that the temperature is low, don't set the thermostat too low. If the temperature is low enough at night, you can turn the unit off.
Drain pipe blockage
When the drain pipe becomes clogged, it can cause an excessive amount of condensation to form and freeze on the coils. Therefore, if you notice ice on the coils or the air conditioner refuses to operate, check the condition of the drain pipe. If you see that there is too much dirt build-up, clean it out or call a professional technician to do the cleaning for you.
Uncleaned coils
Evaporator coils can also become coated with dust and dirt over time and this can cause airflow restriction. This will prevent proper heat movement and the coils will start to freeze. So make sure that the evaporator coils are cleaned regularly.
Regular maintenance is a procedure that can protect your air conditioner from damage and prevent the coils from freezing. To make sure your unit is in good working order, be sure to schedule a professional air conditioner diagnostic appointment at least twice a year (if you use your air conditioner in the summer and winter).
If you need a new air conditioner, check out Fujitsu Airstage's air conditioners in our catalogs. All models are proven to be efficient, with a great range of advanced features. On our website, you will also find information about the distributors from whom you can purchase the model you want.
