A common issue with outdoor air conditioning units is ice forming on the compressor coil. This ice can damage the unit, and it also means the air conditioner isn't working correctly. Here's what your air conditioning repair provider wants you to know about this issue and what you can do.

What Causes the Icing?

An air conditioner is designed to absorb heat indoors and release it outdoors, creating cool air to circulate through the house. However, sometimes the coil gets much colder than it should, and condensation from the air freezes on it. There are two reasons this can happen. Either air isn't circulating past the coil, so the coil just gets colder and colder; or there isn't enough refrigerant inside the coil itself, which can alter the air conditioning unit's temperature control.

What Can You Do About It?

First, make sure the airflow to your unit isn't blocked. Turn off the unit and set the fan to ON instead of AUTO. Let the fan run for three to four hours to defrost the unit. Then clean out the side vents and any air filters in the unit. Trim back plants to leave at least a foot of space around the air conditioner. Make sure not to stack any objects too close to the unit, either. Turn the unit back on and check whether ice builds back up again.

If that doesn't fix the problem, missing refrigerant is most likely the culprit. This can happen because the unit has a leak, or it can be due to a slow loss over time through small flaws in the seals. When the refrigerant is low, your air conditioner will often produce warm air from the vents, and your electric bill will rise as the air conditioner works harder to try to cool the home. You can also sometimes locate a leak by listening to the refrigerant lines; the refrigerant will hiss or bubble as it seeps out.

The refrigerant can be recharged, but this isn't a DIY project. Accidentally inhaling this chemical can interfere with your breathing and cause fluid buildup in the lungs. Only a trained air conditioning repair professional should try to repair or recharge a refrigerator coil. They can also check for any airflow issues you might have overlooked the first time.

If you need help de-icing your air conditioning unit, choose Chrismon Heating & Cooling in Greensboro, NC. Serving Guilford County for almost 30 years, they are available to help you 24/7 and offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back. In addition to HVAC repairs, they also offer duct cleaning. Call (336) 656-3888 or visit their website to learn more about their 12-month guarantee.