When the weather is hot and humid in Cheverly, Maryland, the last thing you want to worry about is an air conditioning system that can’t maintain a comfortable atmosphere. If you notice that the air coming through your vents is warm or the airflow is weak, you could have a frozen evaporator coil. Let’s take a look at the causes of a frozen evaporator coil and what you can do to unfreeze your Cheverly, MD or Mid-Atlantic region AC unit in this situation.
Unfreeze Your Cheverly, MD AC Unit
Here’s how to identify that you have a frozen evaporator coil on your hands and the steps that can help you resolve it:
Signs of a Frozen Evaporator Coil
When a coil is frozen, one of the first warning signs is an air conditioning system that can’t achieve your desired indoor temperature. If you’re sweating in your home or you notice higher humidity levels, the AC system may be malfunctioning. The evaporator coil is usually located in the outdoor unit, although your system’s user manual will tell you exactly where to find it. Since it can be dangerous to poke around inside your AC unit, you may want to leave this task to one of our HVAC technicians.
If ice has spread to the exterior of the unit, the problem is more severe. An air conditioner develops ice when the refrigerant falls below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, causing it to freeze up as it moves through the evaporator coil. Other components can also suffer from the impacts of freezing, including panels or equipment that allow the system to run properly.
Defrost the HVAC System
You may be able to take some steps to defrost the air conditioning system on your own. The first step is to turn the air conditioning system off as soon as you spot ice on the panel or coil. Continuing to run the AC can put extra strain on the compressor, which is one of the most valuable components within the system. If the compressor burns out due to overuse or extra pressure, you may end up having to replace the entire air conditioning system.
After shutting off the system, you can engage the blower component to help thaw the evaporator coil. Don’t try to remove the ice yourself as it could cause damage to the frozen components. As the ice thaws, soak up any water that may be pooling around the equipment, so it won’t cause excess moisture to move into the system and cause further damage.
Dry the Coil
After all the water has thawed, the next step is drying the coil completely. You can restore power to the system and set the thermostat to run only the fan. The fan will circulate air through the system and coil, removing moisture. If you’re in a hurry to get the AC running again, you can use a hair dryer on the low or cool setting to dry the coil. Do not put the dryer too close to the coil or use too much heat as this can cause the coil to crack.
Perform Additional Maintenance
If you have time to wait for your coil to dry, you should do some light maintenance that may have caused the coil to freeze initially. Check your air filter. If it appears dirty or you haven’t changed it in more than a month, replace it. Clogged air filters cause your unit to work harder to cool your home, leading to a frozen evaporator coil. You can also clean the vents in your house to remove any blockages as well.
Additionally, you can clean any debris away from your outdoor AC unit. Lawn clippings, plants, and dirt can cover the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze or malfunction. Make sure you trim grass and plants around your unit regularly to prevent any blockages.
Call Your Local Cheverly, MD AC Repair Technician
In some cases, a frozen coil will require assistance from one of our experienced AC repair technicians. If your refrigerant level is low, a technician will need to fix this issue. Handling refrigerant is dangerous and should be left to our certified technicians. Dirt or debris could have entered the interior of your unit, causing problems. Since these components are within the system, it’s best to have one of our technicians handle it. Poking around in your unit could cause further damage or other issues. We can determine the cause of the problem and repair it right away.
If you’re stuck trying to figure out how to unfreeze your Cheverly, MD AC unit, then our team of knowledgeable factory-trained technicians can help. At Griffith Energy Services, we offer a range of HVAC services, including air conditioning maintenance and repairs, so contact us for more information by calling 888-474-3391.
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