Ice can form on your air conditioning unit even when it’s blisteringly hot outside. There are a couple of reasons why this happens. Ultimately, you may need to contact an HVAC contractor to help determine the exact cause. Learn more about the reasons ice can form on your air conditioner in this brief guide.

Restricted Airflow

Air conditioning units contain an evaporator coil, which has a refrigerant inside of it that helps provide you with cool air. Your air conditioner normally takes in warm air to offset the refrigerant and prevent the coil from freezing. If there is an issue causing the unit not to take in enough warm air, then there is nothing preventing the evaporator coil from icing over.

Your unit may have restricted airflow due to a clogged air filter, collapsed air ducts, dirt on the evaporator coil, blower fan problems, or blocked vents. An HVAC contractor can find a specific cause and tend to it.

In the meantime, there are a few actions you can take to help increase the airflow. It’s essential to check your air filters and vents. Clean or replace your air filter, if needed, and make sure all the vents are wide open and unobstructed.

Low Refrigerant 

Refrigerant is intended to absorb heat from your home and cool it off. If something causes refrigerant levels to drop, a domino effect can occur. Low refrigerant levels lead to pressure in the evaporator coil dropping, which leads to the refrigerant’s temperature dropping. Eventually, the low temperature will cause ice to form.

Refrigerant levels dropping is almost always due to a leak. Check for signs of hissing noises near your refrigerant lines or warm air coming from the vents. These signs, along with higher electricity bills, indicate that refrigerant is escaping somewhere.

If a leak is suspected, an HVAC contractor should be contacted right away since the refrigerant is toxic and shouldn’t be handled by anyone who isn’t a professional.

If you need an HVAC contractor to diagnose and repair your air conditioning unit, check out Kendall’s Heating & Air in Hiawassee, GA. With over 40 years of experience, these HVAC experts can do anything from routine maintenance to heat pump or refrigeration repair. Not only do they offer full-service repairs, but they also carry cost-effective products for both commercial and residential clients. For more information on their services, visit them online or call (706) 896-0830.