A working air conditioner is one of the greatest appliances that can help you get through the hottest days. However, it can be frustrating if your AC doesn’t create the usual cooling effect in your room due to ice forming on its parts.
So, if you are struggling with an icy AC, you are in the right place. Here we’ll discuss what causes ice to form on an air conditioner, why this isn’t normal, and how the underlying root cause can be resolved by a professional.
1. Insufficient airflow
One of the most common causes of an icy AC is insufficient airflow. When there is insufficient airflow, the evaporator coils can get too cold. This causes water vapor in the air to condense on the coils and turn into water droplets. These water droplets then freeze, and over time they can form a thick layer of ice.
If you notice that your AC unit isn’t blowing as much cooled air as it used to, it could be a sign of insufficient airflow. Another way to tell if there is insufficient airflow is if you see frost or ice forming on any other parts of the unit, such as the compressor.
2. Broken components
If an essential component of your AC, such as a blower motor or a refrigerant line, is broken or damaged, your AC won’t work properly. It may be forced to overwork to continue supplying cold air, further worsening the situation.
As a result, water vapor may start collecting on various parts of the AC, including the evaporator coils, where it condenses and eventually freezes into ice.
3. Dirty filters
Dirty filters can also restrict airflow and cause ice to form on your AC unit. When the filter is clogged with dirt and debris, it prevents air from flowing freely through the unit. This can cause the evaporator coils to get too cold, leading to ice formation.
Therefore, it’s important to check your air filter regularly and replace it if it’s dirty.
4. Leaking refrigerant
Leaking refrigerant can also cause ice to form on your AC. When there is a leak in the refrigerant, it can cause the evaporator coils to get too cold. This can lead to water vapor condensing on the coils and eventually freezing.
Why is ice forming on my AC not normal?
Ideally, ice should not be forming on your AC unit under normal conditions. However, it isn’t unusual to notice a light dusting of frost on your AC’s evaporator coils while it’s running, but the problem comes when the tiny frost droplets graduate into ice.
So, if you notice ice starting to form, it’s important to take action quickly. Allowing the ice to build-up can cause serious damage to your AC unit and lead to costly repairs.
How can I prevent ice from forming on my AC?
The best way to prevent ice from forming on your AC unit is to make sure that there is proper airflow. This can be done by regularly checking and replacing your air filter. You should also have a professional check your AC unit for any broken components or leaks in the refrigerant.
If you notice ice starting to form on your AC unit, turn it off immediately and call a professional. They will be able to diagnose the root cause and prevent further damage to your AC unit.
For professional service on your air conditioning in Ashburn, VA, contact AllTech Services, Inc.