You walk into your coolroom and notice something's not right. There's ice. Thick ice covering the evaporator coil that should be keeping your stock cold. Your first thought might be "well, at least it's working hard" but here's the problem: ice on your evaporator coil means your refrigeration system is about to fail.
And if you keep running it, you're looking at spoiled stock and expensive repairs.
Here's what's happening, why it matters, and what you need to do right now to save your refrigeration system.
Turn It Off. Right Now. Before you do anything else, switch off your refrigeration system. Don't just adjust the thermostat. Turn it completely off at the isolator switch.
Running a refrigeration system with an iced-up evaporator coil is like trying to breathe through a blocked nose. The ice acts like a blanket, stopping heat transfer and forcing your compressor to work overtime until it eventually burns out.
- Step 1: Turn off the system at the isolator switch
- Step 2: Let the ice melt completely (this might take several hours)
- Step 3: Don't try to chip it off or use hot water - you'll damage the coil fins
Why Your Evaporator Coil Is Icing Up
Ice on your evaporator coil isn't normal. It's a sign that something in your refrigeration system has gone wrong. The most common culprit? Poor airflow or low refrigerant.
When there's not enough airflow over the coil, or when refrigerant levels drop, the coil temperature drops below normal operating range. Moisture in the air then freezes on the coil surface, creating a thick ice barrier that blocks heat transfer completely.
Here's what usually causes the problem:
- Dirty evaporator coil: Dust, grease and debris blocking airflow
- Faulty evaporator fan: Not moving enough air across the coil
- Low refrigerant: Usually from a leak in the system
- Blocked air returns: Obstructed return air grilles or filters
- Overloaded system: Too much product loaded at once
What You Can Check Yourself
Once the ice has melted completely, there are a few things you can inspect before calling us out:
- Check the evaporator fan. Is it running? Can you feel air movement around the coil? A faulty fan motor or damaged fan blade will cause immediate icing problems.
- Look at the coil itself. If you can see the evaporator coil, check if it's covered in dust, grease or debris. A dirty coil can't transfer heat properly and will ice up quickly.
- Check your return air grilles. Are they blocked by stock, packaging or equipment? Your refrigeration system needs clear air circulation to work properly.
- Think about your loading practices. Did you load hot product recently? Overload the system? Put too much stock in at once? These can all cause temporary icing.
When to Call a Refrigeration TechnicianÂ
If the coil keeps icing up after you've checked the obvious things, you've got a serious problem. Low refrigerant is the most common cause of persistent icing, and it usually means there's a leak somewhere in your system.
You can't fix a refrigerant leak yourself. It requires licensed refrigeration technician with proper tools and training.
Need Help?
If your evaporator coil keeps icing up, or you're not sure what's causing the problem, don't wait. Every hour your refrigeration system isn't working properly is money down the drain in spoiled stock and wasted energy.
Get in touch today for an emergency callout. We'll diagnose the real cause of the icing, get your system running properly, and make sure your refrigeration keeps your stock at the right temperature without breaking down.