If the inside unit of your split-system air conditioner freezes up, it’s no time to panic. You might be able to troubleshoot the issue yourself before calling in a service professional. However, you’ll want to act fast either way since frozen evaporator coils can damage your central air conditioner.
Clean the Air Filter
One of the most common reasons for frozen evaporator coils is inadequate airflow. The indoor coil in a split-system air conditioner carries refrigerant that absorbs heat from indoor air. This occurs when pressure is relaxed on the refrigerant, allowing it to covert from a liquid into a gas. When insufficient air is blowing across the coil, not enough heat can be removed, and the refrigerant’s temperature may continue dropping, resulting in the evaporator coil freezing up. A dirty air filter or evaporator coil could be impeding airflow through the filter and heat exchange in the coil, respectively. Change the air filter or clean the coil.
Charge Refrigerant
If your system’s refrigerant is low, this can cause frozen evaporator coils. A lesser amount of refrigerant, if allowed to expand as if it were the specified amount for your system, will get so cold, and it will freeze moisture in the air that comes in contact with the coil. Any issue regarding refrigerant should be addressed by a certified A/C technician.
Set the Right Temperature
Forcing a central A/C to overwork itself to reach a low temperature on a very hot day also may result in frozen coils. You can solve this issue by not asking your A/C to do too much on a very hot day. Try setting your thermostat to 74 degrees, rather than 64 degrees.
A variety of mechanical issues in your central A/C may alter pressure in your A/C and freeze the evaporator coil. Most of these should be addressed a professional.
To schedule quick and reliable service by a trusted A/C professional, contact us at Ace Hardware Home Services, Inc.. We provide superior HVAC service in the Dayton-Springfield area.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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