With summer temperatures steadily climbing, having a functional HVAC system is necessary to stay comfortable in your home or office. However, cranking the air conditioner won’t cool you off if it keeps freezing up. Here are some potential causes of this common problem.

Why Does Your Air Conditioner Have Ice on It?

1. Low Refrigerant Levels

Your air conditioner uses refrigerant to take heat away from the inside air. Then, it changes from a liquid to a low-pressure gas and back to a high-pressure liquid. As the refrigerant transitions between these states, it cools the coils, and a fan blows the chilled air back into the house. If the HVAC system is low on refrigerant, the exchange occurs prematurely, and the cold air instantly freezes condensation within the coils. The longer you use your AC without adequate coolant, the more ice will build up.

2. Poor Airflow

Inadequate airflow is the most common cause of frozen air conditioners. Warm air must flow over the coils inside the compressor to facilitate heat exchange and generate cold air. However, the airflow might be inadequate if a duct inside the house collapses or becomes blocked, as air won’t travel to the HVAC system. A faulty blower motor and low fan voltage are other factors that can impede airflow. Dirty air filters are another contributing factor to this problem, as air won't travel through a filter that's full of dirt, dust, and other debris.

3. Temperature Out of Range

Air conditioners are designed to work within a specific temperature range. If the outside air is cooler than 62 degrees and you run your air conditioner, the pressure inside the unit can drop and produce ice. You can also generate this issue if you set your thermostat too low. Ideally, you should set your thermostat between 75 to 78 degrees to produce cool air without causing a freeze.

If your air conditioner has frozen over, don’t hesitate to contact the team at Reading Heating & Air Conditioning in Cincinnati, OH. For more than 70 years, this skilled HVAC contractor and their NATE-certified technicians have provided a variety of services to residents and businesses throughout the area. Whether you need AC repairs, a furnace installation, or HVAC maintenance, they’ll get the job done with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about their services, call (513) 821-1633 or visit them online today.