Frozen Evaporator Coil? Try These Troubleshooting Tips

July 28, 2015

Is your air conditioner under-performing? The problem could be related to frozen evaporator coils, and if you think you can just "let it go," think again. Fortunately, the problem is pretty easy to diagnose and, in many cases, you can remedy the issue on your own. Read on to learn more.

Assessing the Problem

First, how can you tell if frozen evaporator coils are your problem? The first sign that something's wrong will be warm air coming out of your supply registers or feeling as though your home isn't being properly cooled. If this is the case, you'll want to check for a dirty or clogged air filter and ensure that all registers are open and free from obstructions. Blocked registers will restrict airflow and increase temperatures inside the evaporator. If these problems don't appear to be the culprit, you'll need to examine the copper evaporator coils. Are they encased in ice? If yes, the air conditioner is frozen.

Thawing Out Evaporator Coils

One thing that you should never do is attempt to clear ice from an A/C's evaporator coils by hand. Doing so could cause serious damage to system components. The best thing you can do is switch the system off and allow the coils to defrost. This can take up to 24 hours. Once power has been restored, turn on the air conditioner's fan or blower. As the air blows through the coils any excess frost or ice will be melted.

When to Call the Pros

After completing all of these steps, if your A/C still isn't blowing cool air through the supply registers, you'll need to enlist the help of a NATE-certified contractor. Electrical issues or leaking refrigerant could be the underlying cause of your cooling woes and these sensitive tasks need to be handled by a licensed professional. If you suspect that your A/C's troubles are linked to more than just frozen evaporator coils, don't hesitate to call the experts at Lozier Heating & Cooling. We're proud to serve the greater Des Moines area. Our goal is to help educate our customers in the greater Des Moines, Iowa area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: "lassedesignen/Shutterstock"