Frozen evaporator coils are a common problem that can render your AC all but useless. It can prevent your AC from blowing cool air into your home, cause water damage when the ice on the coils melts and make your AC’s compressor fail. Fortunately, it’s easier than you think to prevent your AC coils from freezing. All you need to do is follow these preventative maintenance tips.
Check and Replace Your Air Filters Regularly
Restricted airflow is one of the reasons why AC coils freeze. Your AC works by pulling warm air out of your home, passing it over the cooling coils and redistributing the now-cool air throughout your home. If airflow is restricted by dirty air filters, there won’t be enough warm air hitting the coils. They’ll get too cold and eventually freeze.
We recommend checking your system’s air filters at least once a month and replacing them as necessary. Some high-end filters can last for several months before they need to be replaced, but swapping them out monthly is best if you have a larger household or spend a lot of time at home.
Don’t Block Air Vents
Your air conditioner needs unrestricted airflow to work properly, which means keeping the vents and registers in your home unblocked. Wipe away any dust that has accumulated on vents, keep clutter in your home to a minimum and don’t arrange your furniture in a way that blocks vents.
Wipe Down Evaporator Coils
The evaporator coils in your air conditioner get very dirty over time. This dirt acts as an insulator that can eventually cause your coils to freeze. If you can, check your coils regularly for signs of buildup. You can gently clean them with a soft brush if you’re comfortable doing so. If not, call an HVAC professional to complete a more thorough cleaning.
Maintain Proper Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant is what absorbs heat from your home and releases it outside. Your AC was already charged with enough refrigerant to run indefinitely, but leaks can happen. If you lose refrigerant due to a leak, the remaining liquid will expand and cause the coils to become incredibly cold and potentially freeze.
A refrigerant leak will have to be fixed by a professional, but you can look for the signs of one yourself. These include hissing or bubbling sounds near your unit, a lack of cold air coming from your vents, and an AC that runs constantly without reaching your desired temperature.
Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance
The best way to prevent frozen coils and other HVAC-related problems is to schedule regular tune-ups with an HVAC contractor. A tune-up will include such things as cleaning coils, checking refrigerant levels and otherwise making sure everything is in working order. We recommend scheduling at least one tune-up every year. When you need AC maintenance services in Houston, TX, contact Village Plumbing, Air & Electric.
