If ice forms on your air conditioning unit, it can affect its efficiency and impact its longevity. While an HVAC contractor can resolve the issue, it’s smart to understand the inner workings of the system so that you can figure out why the problem happens—and what you can do to prevent sudden AC repairs in the future. Here’s what you need to know.

Causes of Ice on the AC

One of the key reasons ice forms on the unit is because of insufficient airflow over the evaporator coil. As one of the system’s main components, its role is to absorb interior heat with refrigerant then deliver the cooled air back inside the home.

Under normal circumstances, warm air runs consistently over the coils to prevent it from icing over. But when this warmth dissipates, the evaporator becomes too cold. As a result, ice forms on the coils and on the lines that deliver the refrigerant.

If there isn’t enough refrigerant in the unit, that might also cause ice to form. A shortage often causes a drop in both refrigerant pressure and temperature within the evaporator coil. Without that constant supply, ice begins to form on the unit.

How to Resolve AC Ice

It’s important to understand that there are many reasons airflow might be restricted. If you haven’t replaced the air filter in months, it could be that the clog is minimizing airflow. Swapping it for a new one may help.

The issue may require deeper investigation from an HVAC contractor, however, especially if there’s a problem inside the air ducts or damage to the blower fan. You should turn the thermostat off right away if you’re concerned, then switch it back on and wait several hours before turning the air conditioner itself back on, too. This technique may help bring warm air from inside the house over the iced coils and thaw them out.

If the situation is due to low refrigerant levels, however, be aware that this is typically because it’s leaking somewhere. You might be able to detect this if the air coming from the vents feels warm or if your utility bills suddenly spike. Perform the same step as above, allowing time for the unit to thaw before turning the AC back on. Always have an HVAC contractor assess it if you suspect there’s a leak, as refrigerant is a toxic substance that could be harmful.

If you spot ice on your air conditioning system and preventive measures aren’t effective, contact the HVAC contractors at Alan’s Mechanical Services in Pell City, AL. Proudly serving clients throughout St. Clair County, the company offers a wide range of services, including AC repairs, maintenance, and installation. To find out more about how they can help you or to schedule an appointment, give them a call at (205) 338-1480.