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How to defrost frozen air conditioner evaporator coils?

frozen evaporator coil ac

If your indoor air conditioner unit is blowing warm air, a frozen evaporator coil may be the cause. Causes include:

  • Leaks or undercharges prevent proper refrigerant flow, leading to ice formation when the pressure gets too low.
  • Clogged air filters or vents raise the temperature of the heat exchanger above the dew point, causing moisture to freeze.
  • Dirty evaporator coils, faulty fan motors, poorly performing condensers, or restrictions in the ductwork reduce system reliability.

Follow these steps to defrost your evaporator coils safely

Defrosting evaporator coils is critical to maintaining the efficiency of your HVAC system. Follow these steps to defrost evaporator coils safely and ensure optimal performance and air quality.

  1. Turn off the air conditioning system to stop cooling and prevent damage or overheating of the compressor.
  2. Clean the access panels and vents of any debris or objects blocking them. This will allow melt water to drain freely.
  3. Allow the heat exchangers time to defrost naturally. This can take 2-6 hours, depending on the density of the ice build-up. Optionally, defrosting can be accelerated by using a hairdryer at a low temperature.
  4. Once completely defrosted, check the coils and fins. Look for ice residue or bent fins, which indicate a restricted airflow problem that caused the freezing.
  5. Run the fan for only 30 minutes before resuming cooling. This will help dry moisture from the heat exchangers to limit mould and mildew growth.

ac evaporator coil frozen

How to prevent evaporative coils from freezing?

To prevent evaporative coils from freezing, ensure proper airflow by regularly changing air filters and keeping air ducts clean. Keep the air vents open and unobstructed to ensure efficient air circulation. In addition, maintain proper refrigerant levels and ensure that the thermostat is set to a temperature that does not overload the system. Regular maintenance by a qualified HVAC technician will also help identify and resolve any issues that could lead to freezing.

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