What To Do If Your AC Evaporator Coil Freezes in Miamisburg, OH

Many property owners face frozen air conditioner coils. A decent portion of them don’t know what to do if an evaporator coil freezes. If you’re one of them, here’s a quick summary of how to solve this HVAC problem.

Butler Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing knows that informed customers are happy ones. Our HVAC technicians take an educational approach to AC repair in Miamisburg, OH, so let’s get into why your unit’s evaporator coil may freeze and what to do. 

How To Recognize When Your Evaporator Coil Freezes

How might a frozen evaporator coil manifest? While many things can cause it, its symptoms almost always look the same:

• Poor, uncomfortable airflow: You’ll notice one of the first alerts right off the bat. The air coming from the vents will feel weak and lukewarm, not dry and refreshingly cool. 
• Water pooling around the equipment: If you check the indoor air handler, you might find damp areas where the coil thaws and water trickles onto the floor.
• Noticeable frost formations: Inspect the hoses and pipes that connect to the outdoor unit. Look for a frosty coating.
• Full condensate drain pan: Most air handlers have a drain pan right under them. If you find the pan full instead of just a damp one, you almost certainly have frozen coils.

Learn why evaporator coils freeze below. 

What To Do If Evaporator Coil Freezes in Your Miamisburg Home or Business

Frozen coils, overflowing drain pans, and other issues almost always indicate the need for HVAC system maintenance services in Miamisburg, Ohio. Sometimes, you can assuage these issues by following the steps outlined below. 

Turn Off Your System

Initiate the coil-thawing process by ending the current cooling cycle. Go to your thermostat and switch it to the Off setting. Letting the system run with frozen coils can further damage your expensive equipment. 

Inspect For and Remove Airflow Blockages

An important step in knowing what to do if an evaporator coil freezes involves checking for potential airflow obstructions. Restricted airflow keeps the refrigerant from absorbing enough heat. A perfectly functioning HVAC system’s coil will thaw when the heat reaches it, but a frozen coil retains condensation, which eventually transforms into a frosty coating. 

Where should you look for potential airflow obstructions?

• The air filter: A filthy filter is one of the primary reasons for obstructed airflow. Replace yours if it looks dingy and dirty. 
• The return register: Have you pushed any furniture, forgotten laundry piles, or storage boxes in front of the return register? The register pulls air into the system from the household and needs a clear space to do so.
• The outdoor unit: The outdoor equipment houses the blower motor. Its position also constantly exposes it to organic debris, like leaves and grass clippings. Clean up around the unit to ensure the air flows freely. 
• The ductwork: Open the vents and shine a light inside the ducts. If you find any foreign objects or dust plugs, try to remove them.

Next, move your checks to the drainage system.

Check the Condensate Drainage System

While a full condensate drain pain can be a symptom of frozen evaporator coils, it can also be the cause. If you’re still wondering what to do if an evaporator coil freezes, check to see if any debris has clogged the pan. You might need a plumber to unclog the drain pipe if water isn’t flowing freely.

Adjust Your Thermostat Settings

If you prefer much colder temperatures indoors, watch out – you might accidentally run your air conditioner too much! Adjust your thermostat settings so that the HVAC system doesn’t run as often. Give the system a break when you leave the house. 

Cautiously Turn Your System Back On

Once you’ve tried these recommendations, set your thermostat to the Auto setting. Stay aware of your system’s performance while it completes its first cycle. You might be in the clear if it runs without a hitch. 

Contact an HVAC Provider Near You If the Problem Persists

What if the problem persists despite your best efforts? Call professional maintenance services to address:

• Low refrigerant levels
• Clogged drain lines
• Duct obstructions you can’t see
• Excessive dust coatings on the coils

Let the professionals handle repeated HVAC issues in Miamisburg, Ohio.