We know your AC is designed to keep you cool, but that doesn’t mean its components should be freezing over. It definitely doesn’t improve cooling performance, and it actually might cause a system breakdown in the heat of summer.
But don’t fret, the 5 Star Cooling Superstars at Always Plumbing & Heating are here to help you identify the signs of frozen coils, their typical causes and when to call us in to help prevent and fix them. Let’s thaw out those coils so you can keep your Edmonton home cool! Always Plumbing & Heating has been your preferred choice for AC service since 1998, so don’t delay, call us today!
What are AC Coils?
AC coils are a crucial part of your air conditioner’s cooling system. There are two main types, an evaporator coil and a condenser coil, both help with heat transfer, getting warm air up and out of your home.
Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil is located inside your home, usually near the furnace. It’s responsible for absorbing heat from the indoor air as refrigerant passes through it. This process cools the air before it’s circulated throughout the house.
Condenser Coil
The condenser coil is located outside your home in the outdoor AC unit. It releases the heat that was absorbed indoors by the refrigerant. As the refrigerant cools down, it turns back into a liquid to restart the cooling cycle.
This continual loop helps keep your home cool and comfortable.
Why do they freeze?
Dirty coils are the number one reason they eventually freeze over. If the coil is covered by lots of dust or dirt, the refrigerant flowing through it won’t be able to warm up as much as it’s supposed to, causing the water vapour in your air to freeze, rather than evaporating. Resulting in a frozen coil and decreased performance and efficiency.
Frozen coils reduce and block airflow and cause other components to work overtime to help pick up the slack, leading to increased wear and tear, and more frequent repair calls.
Common Causes of Frozen Coils
Like we just mentioned, the most common cause of frozen evaporator coils is if they’re neglected. But here are some other common issues that could result in some frost covered components.
- Low refrigerant levels – small cracks in your coils could result in refrigerant leaks, which could negatively affect your coils.
- Blocked or closed vents
- Fan or blower motor problems
It’s important to do a regular visual inspection of your AC and its components to catch these issues before they become big problems. You can also schedule a top to bottom tune-up and inspection from our team, to properly identify air flow issues, and hidden damage. More on our process below!
How Do You Know If Your Coils Are Frozen?
No matter how long you’ve had central AC installed in your home, coil issues might not be the first thing you think of when your AC goes on the fritz. Here are some telltale signs that our AC repair team has noticed throughout the years of serving Edmonton homeowners.
- Limited or zero air flow
- Ice buildup on the interior or exterior of your AC
- Warm air coming up through your vents
- Liquid build up in and around your outdoor unit, furnace or duct work.
If you notice any one of these, make sure to call Always Plumbing & Heating in right away. Evaporator and condenser coils are sensitive pieces that should only be handled by a professional in order to ensure not only your safety, but also the longevity of your air conditioner.
When To Call In The Experts
Professional service is the end all be all when it comes to your air conditioning system. We don’t recommend DIY or bandaid fixes, simply because we want you to get the most of your investment. DIY service can often void your warranty or even exasperate problems, making once was a simple repair, now a full system replacement.
So at the first sign of issues, call us in! Our AC repair team is Always standing by!
Every single repair call starts with a thorough evaluation of your system. This helps your technician identify any additional problems hidden within. It also helps us give you the best repair options, and an accurate upfront estimate, complete with StraightForward pricing and repair timeline.
Your technician is well-trained and dedicated to safety. They will always shut down power to your unit before undergoing any repairs. Shutting down the system will also help thaw out your frozen coils, so they can better identify the root cause.
They will then undergo a thorough cleaning of not only your coils, but also your air filters to help prevent build up in the future. If there are cracks or other damage to your coils, they will be replaced.
Once your AC is back up and running, your technician will troubleshoot to ensure quality workmanship.
We’ll also suggest investing in some regular maintenance to ensure ongoing performance and longevity.
How Often Should You Schedule AC Maintenance?
The answer to that question can vary depending on several factors, but generally, it’s recommended to schedule a tune-up once a year, before the start of the cooling season.
Benefits
- Fewer component breakdowns
- Increased air conditioner lifespan
- Improved indoor air quality and air flow
- Maintain your equipment warranty
Don’t Sweat It, Always Is Here For You With Prescheduled Service
Don’t want to worry about remembering your yearly appointment? Leave the scheduling to us and sign up for our exclusive Diamond Maintenance Program.
Members enjoy priority maintenance and emergency AC repair service, plus you’ll get exclusive discounts on dispatch fees and equipment. AND peace of mind!
Talk to your technician or visit our website to learn more about our membership offerings.
Frozen coils don’t have to be a death sentence for your AC, call Always Plumbing & Heating instead. Our prompt repair service will thaw out your coils and get your equipment back up and running faster than you thought possible. We’ve been trusted in Edmonton Area Homes for decades, let us show you why your friends and neighbours count on us not just during the cooling season, but all year round.
We’re proud of our 4.7 star rating on Google, and our over 3000 positive reviews! We approach every job with the same attention and care, with the most experienced technicians, PLUS 24/7 emergency service. No matter the time, no matter the issue, your comfort is ALWAYS our priority.
