Most homeowners don’t expect to see ice building up on their AC units in the middle of a hot summer day. However, this is a fairly common problem. Your air conditioning contractor can quickly determine the cause and get your system running at peak performance, but understanding the causes can also help you avoid problems going forward.

3 Common Reasons for Ice Buildup on an AC Unit

1. Refrigerant Leak

Air conditioners use refrigerant to cool the air. If there’s a leak somewhere in the delivery system, the pressure drops, which actually causes the liquid to get even colder.

Then when it reacts with the water on the coils, it quickly freezes. This can eventually block the airflow that allows your system to work properly, so you may notice that it’s not cooling your home efficiently.

2. Poor Airflow

When your air conditioner cools the air, it also removes moisture, which creates condensation on your unit’s coils. When everything is working properly, warm air continues to circulate over the coils to keep that water from freezing so it can drip into the condensate pan.

However, if the air isn’t traveling over the coils, water just stays on the component and eventually freezes as it comes into contact with the refrigerant. The poor airflow may be caused by a blocked filter, buildup in your vents, or debris around your unit.

3. Dirty Coils

If there’s dirt building up on the coils themselves, they can’t absorb water as quickly. The droplets can easily get caught in this part of the system long enough to freeze.

Your air conditioning contractor should clean the coils thoroughly during seasonal maintenance appointments, so this is an efficient way to prevent this problem from occurring in the first place.

If you’ve noticed freezing on your AC unit, call the professionals at Cowboy’s Heating & Air. Serving customers throughout the Miami Valley and Tri-State Area, the air conditioning contractor provides heating and air inspections, installations, and maintenance. They’re also available 24/7 for emergency repairs, and they always provide accurate, up-front estimates. Visit the company’s website to see a full rundown of services. To request an estimate, call the air conditioning contractor at (937) 604-1541.