Causes and Solutions for Car Air Conditioner Evaporator Freezing
2 Answers
The causes and solutions for car air conditioner evaporator freezing are as follows: Compressor malfunction due to prolonged use: Reduced compression efficiency or damage to the compressor's gas distribution system can lead to excessively low pressure, causing freezing. The freezing typically occurs in the front section of the evaporator. Adding some refrigerant can resolve the issue. If the problem persists, the compressor must be replaced. Excessive refrigerant: Some air conditioners may have refrigerant added due to relocation or leaks. Improper handling by maintenance personnel can result in too much refrigerant, causing excess refrigerant to flow to the rear section of the evaporator and freeze. This type of freezing usually occurs in the rear section of the evaporator and around the compressor's return pipe. Releasing the excess refrigerant will resolve the issue. Dirty evaporator: After prolonged use, dust from the air or microorganisms generated by the evaporator can accumulate on the evaporator, obstructing airflow, reducing heat exchange, and causing the evaporator temperature to drop too low, leading to freezing. The freezing occurs in the rear section of the evaporator. After the ice melts, rinse the evaporator with water and gently brush along the fins with a soft brush, being careful not to wet the electrical components. Cleaning thoroughly will resolve the issue.
I noticed that my car's air conditioning suddenly stopped cooling, and the airflow became weaker. The mechanic said the evaporator was frozen, possibly due to insufficient refrigerant or a dirty filter blocking the airflow. Normally, when using the air conditioning, if the set temperature is too low and it runs for too long, the surface temperature of the evaporator can drop too low, leading to icing. The solution is simple: first, park the car in a safe place, turn off the air conditioning, and let the ice melt slowly; then check if the air filter is clogged with dust—if it's dirty, replace it immediately; next, check the refrigerant pressure and top it up if necessary. Don’t underestimate this issue—icing can reduce the efficiency of the air conditioning and may even cause water leakage or odors inside the car. So, I recommend cleaning the filter every six months and maintaining a normal operating temperature.
