Living in South Florida, the thought of ice developing anywhere but your freezer sounds absurd. Sure, your AC should blow cold air, but having the very device that keeps your home at its ideal temperature freezing over is like a cruel joke. Needing your air conditioner to unfreeze while beads of sweat are dripping down the side of your face is not only ironic, but it shows how important regular maintenance and timely repairs are to keep your cooling system in tip-top shape.
Follow along to discover why your evaporator coils could be freezing in Florida.
Insufficient Air Flow
- Fan Speed: The first common cause of an evaporator coil freeze is your AC’s airflow. If not enough air is flowing to the places it is supposed to, it will delay the warm air from being absorbed. This causes all the cool air to be discarded back into your system and all the cool air will be dumped on the coils.
- Dirty Filters: Another contribution to freezing coils is a dirty air filter. If it is too dirty, it can cause a clog, which causes your air conditioner to work harder, pushing air through the system. When not enough air flows over your evaporator coils, the refrigerant inside the coils can get too cold, causing condensation on the coils to freeze.
Low Refrigerant
Rather than causing your AC to stop altogether, low refrigerant levels can actually cause your evaporator coils to be too cold. How? Low levels prevent your system from removing the warm air, causing the coils to reach extremely low temperatures and freeze over.
Humidity Levels
Florida’s elevated humidity can also contribute to coil freezing. While the air is hot, it’s also very moist. When the air in your home becomes saturated in moisture, your AC’s evaporator coils work harder to remove the excess humidity. Usually, the moisture would drain away, but the coils can get too cold from issues including blocked airflows or low refrigerant levels, which causes the moisture to freeze instead of draining.
Closed Vents
A common misconception is that closing your vents will help you save energy and money. Unfortunately, this is a common AC myth. In fact, it does the opposite and causes your AC system to work harder, use more energy, and cause insufficient airflow. This domino effect can also lead to frozen evaporator coils.
Dirty Coils
When evaporator coils become dirty, it can block the airflow and also prevent heat exchange. Dirt and debris build up on the coils, creating a thick, nasty layer. This layer acts like a cover and prevents the coils from proficiently consuming the heat in your home. Subsequently, your AC system will have to work harder to cool down your home, increasing energy costs and wearing out your equipment faster.
Preventing Your AC Unit From Freezing
Yes, a frozen AC can happen regardless of your climate. Not only is the situation ironic, but it is also a sign that something is wrong with your cooling system. In fact, they are more common than you may realize. However, being proactive can help. Changing your air filters, cleaning your evaporator coils, and making sure your vents are clear and open can be done on your own, but this does not mean skipping out on routine AC maintenance.
A professional AC service call can help you know the primary reason your system is freezing up. From refrigerant leaks to inspecting ductwork, there are aspects only a professional technician can help you with.
If you live in the Treasure Coast or Palm Beaches, AC Care Heat & Air is ready to help. Whether you need installation, ongoing maintenance, repairs, or guidance, we’re here to help. Our experts can recommend the most reliable central air conditioner for your space and guide you through your options.