The evaporator coil, as its name suggests, is where refrigerant travels and turns from liquid to gas, absorbing the heat from warm air in the process. Frozen evaporator coils can no longer absorb the heat from the surrounding air and can no longer function properly. This will prevent your aircon from cooling the room effectively, as your aircon will blow warm air instead of cool air.
In Singapore, where cooling is a necessity, this issue can quickly become a problem. Find out what are the causes of a frozen evaporator coil, and what you can do to ensure the air conditioner can work properly to cool your body in Singapore’s tropical climate!
6 Common Causes of A Frozen Evaporator Coil
Reason #1: Dirty Evaporator Coils and Air Filter
A dirty evaporator coil and a dirty air filter are the most common reasons for your coils freezing up. The layer of dust and dirt around the coils acts as insulation, preventing your evaporator coil from working properly.
Many of our clients in Singapore have experienced AC inefficiencies due to neglected coils and filters. Thus, we always recommend them to do regular cleaning, as dirty coils are much more susceptible to freezing than clean ones.
Reason #2: Refrigerant Leaks
Low refrigerant levels brought about by refrigerant leaks also contribute to frozen evaporator coils as the coolant freezes the condensation around the evaporator coil instead of the surrounding air. Low refrigerant will also force your cooling system to overwork, which leads to coil freezing when the condensation supercools.
Reason #3: High Humidity Levels
Singapore’s tropical climate means high humidity levels throughout the year, which can overwhelm your air conditioner. If the air in your room contains more moisture than your AC can handle, excessive condensation can form around the evaporator coils and freeze as the cold air lowers the temperature.
Additionally, sudden weather changes, such as the monsoon season, can increase moisture levels, making this a common issue for homes and offices in Singapore.
Reason #4: Malfunctioning Fan Blower
When the fan blower is busted, your air conditioner creates a closed system where air cannot properly flow through the unit. The restricted airflow keeps the cold air inside your unit, and circulates the air through the coils, causing any condensation around these coils to freeze up.
Reason #5: Clogged Condensation Line
A clogged condensation line can back up the collected moisture to your evaporator coils and cause your system to freeze. Couple the moisture with restricted airflow, and the system can easily freeze up.
Our technicians have handled many cases where clearing the condensation line can restore normal AC function. Maintaining the air conditioner regularly is the key to having the air conditioner last for a long time without any issues in Singapore.
Reason #6: Cold Temperatures
While Singapore’s climate is warm year-round, air conditioners in offices, malls, and some residential units are sometimes set to extremely low temperatures. This can cause any moisture in your unit to freeze, especially if you have debris blocking airflow around your unit. Even during cold seasons when you don't use your air conditioner as often, consider maintaining your regular cleaning schedule with one of our Luce Aircon technicians to upkeep your unit.
What is an AC Evaporator Coil?
The AC evaporator coil is a crucial component of your air conditioning system, responsible for absorbing heat from the air inside your home and cooling it down. When working properly, it helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, which is essential in Singapore’s hot and humid climate. However, issues like dirt buildup, restricted airflow, or low refrigerant levels can cause the coil to freeze, leading to inefficient cooling or even a complete system breakdown.
How to Fix Frozen Evaporator Coil?
If you notice your AC isn’t cooling effectively or find ice on the unit, your evaporator coil may be frozen. Here are some steps to resolve the issue!
Thaw the Coils
Turn off the AC and let the ice melt naturally. This can take several hours, so you may speed up the process by switching the fan on without cooling. Avoid using sharp objects to remove the ice, as this can damage the coil.
Replace the Air Filter
A clogged air filter can restrict airflow, causing the coil to freeze. Regularly changing your air filter—especially in Singapore’s dusty environment—helps keep your AC running efficiently. Check the filter every 1-3 months and replace it when necessary.
Clear Blocked Vents
Ensure that all air vents in your home are open and unblocked by furniture or curtains. Poor airflow can contribute to coil freezing, making your AC work harder than necessary.
Inspect the Blower Motor
The blower motor is responsible for circulating air through the system. If it’s not functioning properly, airflow will be weak, leading to freezing issues. Listen for unusual noises or check if air is coming out of the vents properly.
Clean the Coil
Dirt and debris on the evaporator coil can trap moisture and cause freezing. While professional servicing is recommended to clean the coil in the aircon, you can carefully clean the coil using a soft brush or a specialized coil cleaner.
Call Luce Aircon
Need aircon help? Contact one of our technicians at Luce for any issue, and we'll get to the bottom of your aircon problems! From purchasing, installing, and maintenance, to cleaning and repairs, Luce is here to guide you through keeping your AC unit up and running in Singapore’s sweltering heat.
Give us a call today to hear about our full list of services and offers!
Check out our article on why is your ac freezing up!
