HVACR Service Call: Frozen Evaporator Coil Walk In Cooler (Frozen Evaporator Coil Diagnosis/Repair)

HVACR Service Call: Frozen Evaporator Coil Walk In Cooler (Frozen Evaporator Coil Diagnosis/Repair) #HVAC #REFRIGERATION #JUMPERMANTECH

6 Causes of a Frozen Evaporator Coil

1. Lack of Airflow
As stated above, the evaporator coils absorb heat from the air. But if they don’t have enough heat to absorb, the condensation on the coils can freeze. Low airflow can be caused by dozens of problems within the AC system, such as a malfunctioning blower fan, dirty air filters, or even damaged ductwork.

2. Dirty Air Filter
A dirty air filter creates the same airflow problem mentioned above, preventing the evaporator coils from absorbing the necessary amount of heat from the air to function properly. Dirty air filters can also spread dirt and clog up other parts of your system, including the coils themselves.

3. Dirty Evaporator Coils
If your evaporator coils collect too much dirt or debris, the heat exchange process can become obstructed. Dirty coils will be unable to properly absorb the heat from the air, causing the condensation to become too cold and freeze.

4. Refrigerant Problems
Ironic though it may seem, having low refrigerant in your system can actually lead to frozen evaporator coils. Low refrigerant causes the system to overwork, which can lead to condensation on the coils freezing. AC units work on a closed system, meaning refrigerant doesn’t simply run out. Therefore, if you have low refrigerant, the problem is either a refrigerant leak in your system or an insufficient charge.

5. Outdoor Temperature Is Too Low
Similar to how the coils freeze when there is restricted airflow, they can also freeze if the temperature of the air your system is trying to cool is too low. Since the coils work by absorbing heat from the air, the lack of such heat can lead to condensation on the coils freezing over.

6. Clogged Drainpipe
Condensation forming on the evaporator coils is part of normal operation. However, if the drain pipe is clogged or otherwise hindered, too much condensation may develop on the coils, which can then freeze.

Call a Professional:
While there are several remedies you can perform on your own to alleviate frozen evaporator coils, you may not be aware of other issues going on with your AC unit. Trusting the job to a licensed professional not only gives you the peace of mind that the work is done correctly, but also you can be confident knowing that they will catch any surrounding issues as well.

How Preventative Maintenance Can Help:
While regular wear and tear is part of any AC unit’s lifespan, preventative maintenance is one of the most effective ways to ensure your system works properly. This includes changing your air filters regularly (every 60-90 days, as a general guide) and having a professional technician inspect and tune up your system — at least annually, but we recommend having this done before the summer and before the winter months each year.