What Happens If You Ignore Your Freezing AC?

Frozen evaporator coils are a common problem in air conditioning systems. Your system's evaporator coil is a heat transfer device that allows heat (energy) to move from the air in your home to the refrigerant inside your air conditioning system. The refrigerant can then transfer this heat from your house and release it safely outside.

This heat transfer means that your evaporator coil will get fairly cold, but it mustn't become too cold. Once the temperature drops enough, condensation will begin to freeze on the coil, eventually creating a layer of ice. While a frozen coil will typically stop your system from running, the consequences of ignoring this problem can be much worse.

Why Is Your Coil Icing Up? 

Frozen coils always boil down to one of two causes: insufficient refrigerant pressure or insufficient airflow. The first potential cause relates to the behavior of the refrigerant in your system. As the refrigerant's pressure drops, its temperature will also drop. As a result, anything that prevents sufficient refrigerant from entering your evaporator coil will cause the coil temperature to fall.

On the other hand, ice can form on your coil even with enough refrigerant pressure. Your air conditioner requires warm air blowing across the evaporator coil to maintain the appropriate temperature. Without adequate airflow, the temperature around the coil can drop below freezing. As with low refrigerant pressure, this situation will cause condensation to freeze on the coil.

What Makes Icy Coils Bad?

Your evaporator coil's efficiency depends on its large surface area and contact with the surrounding air. However, ice is a surprisingly effective insulator. When ice forms on your evaporator coil, it prevents the coil from efficiently absorbing heat and transferring it to the refrigerant. This situation will initially reduce your system's efficiency and ability to keep your home cool.

However, the problem can become much more severe. The heat from your home's air causes the liquid refrigerant in the coil to vaporize and become a compressible vapor. Without this heat, the refrigerant may continue through the system as a liquid. This liquid can create a condition known as "slugging," potentially one of the worst things that can happen to your air conditioner.

How Can Slugging Damage Your System?

Slugging is a specific term that refers to liquid refrigerant entering the compressor's cylinder. Since a liquid is not compressible, this situation can cause extreme damage. Anytime liquid refrigerant reaches the compressor, there is a severe risk of slugging. Unfortunately, slugging can cause so much damage that it may destroy the compressor.

The good news is that an icy evaporator coil is usually a far less severe problem that often results from refrigerant leaks or restrictions. If you notice your evaporator coil freezing, stop using your system and call for a repair. Taking quick action can help you avoid the costly consequences of running your system with a frozen evaporator coil.

To learn more, contact AC repair services.