Controlling the Humidity in Your Home

The evaporator coils in the air conditioner are a primary component of its operation. When they start freezing up, it can be impossible for it to run properly. Typically, this problem is caused by clogs or excessive dirt in the machine.

Clogs Are The Most Common Cause

When air conditioner coils start freezing up, the most common influence is dirty evaporator coils and clogs. These clogs can occur for a variety of reasons. For example, they often develop when an air conditioner is exposed to the elements and various birds and pests start invading. An invasion by pests, such as ants, can be particularly problematic. As they make a nest in the air conditioner, it will be more difficult for the air to flow.

When this happens, the coils will get dirty and start to have a hard time absorbing heat. This lack of heat absorbing causes the coils to get extremely cold and to freeze over. As a result, the air conditioner is likely to shut down and refuse to operate. Thankfully, it is possible to manage this problem by taking a few basic steps.

Cleaning The Condensate Drain

The first step in this process is cleaning the air conditioner drain. This drain, known as the condensate pan, is a commonly clogged area that is relatively easy to clean. Start by turning off the machine and locating the pan underneath of the unit. Pull out the pan and check it for water. Collected water indicates a clogged drain that can cause frozen coils.

A shop vacuum needs to be attached to the drain to eliminate serious clogs. Then, it is necessary to flush it with distilled vinegar. At this point, the machine's drain should be quite clean, but it is also necessary to unfreeze the coils and clean out the air filer.

Unfreezing The Coils

After cleaning the condensate drain, the next step is to manage the frozen coils. First of all, it is important to turn the air conditioning off and leave it on the fan setting. This will help to melt the ice and make it easier to check the rest of the air conditioner. After water stops dripping out of the machine, turn it off and open up the front.

Check the air filter for dirt and clean it off by running it under cold water. That will break apart all the dirt and clogs and ensure that it runs properly. If there are ants or other pests living in the machine, use safe and effective control methods to get them out. These include laying ant traps or spraying non-electronic parts of the machine with pesticides.

By breaking up the clogs in an air conditioner, a person can avoid frozen evaporator coils. It will require a careful and concentrated effort, but most people should be able to do it on their own. If not, they can call a professional, such as JV Systems Air Conditioning And Heating of Tampa Bay Inc, to have them do it for them.