Possible Reasons for Ice on the AC Unit
There are a few things you might see around your HVAC system this spring or summer that would seem pretty unusual, and a top example here is the presence of ice on your AC unit or the various coils attached to it. It’s the middle of the hottest parts of the year, you might be thinking – why is ice showing up on my cooling unit?
At Accurate Air, we’re happy to offer a wide range of AC repair, maintenance and installation services for clients around Tempe and Scottsdale. Here are some of the possible reasons why ice might be building up somewhere around or on your AC unit, plus what you can do about it – either on your own or with the help of our team.
Dirty Indoor Coil
The indoor coil of your AC unit, also known as the evaporator coil, is responsible for taking in hot air from outside, cooling it inside and then expelling it back out as cool air. If the indoor coil is dirty or clogged with debris, it can cause a decrease in airflow, causing the system to not be able to efficiently remove moisture from the incoming air.
This can result in condensation forming on the coils and freezing up, forming a layer of ice on your AC unit. To fix this problem, you can have the coil cleaned or replaced by our team at Accurate Air, ensuring that it’s working as efficiently as possible and not clogged up with debris.
Low Refrigerant Level
Once again, this may sound backwards – how does having less refrigerant cause more ice? Low refrigerant levels can lead to your AC unit having to run longer and harder in order to cool down the same amount of air, which means it has to work overtime and will likely be running when the temperature outside is cooler.
This causes cold air to come into contact with the evaporator coil, resulting in condensation forming on the coil and ice building up. To fix this issue, you’ll need to have a professional come in and refill your system with refrigerant, as trying to do it yourself is unsafe and could lead to further damage.
Blower Fan Damage
Another key component that may be playing a role here is your blower fan, which is meant to push the air through the system and then out of your home. If it’s not working properly, then you may have trouble pushing through enough air to cool down the temperature sufficiently.
If this is happening, then warm air can come into contact with the evaporator coil causing condensation and freezing up, leading to a layer of ice on or around your AC unit. To repair this, you’ll need to have the blower fan inspected and replaced if necessary by our team at Accurate Air.
Clogged or Dirty Air Filter
One possible direct cause of the blower fan’s inability to push air through the system is a dirty or clogged air filter. As the name implies, these filters are meant to capture any particles that try to pass through them, but if they become too clogged with dirt and debris, then they can further restrict airflow and cause your AC unit to not work as efficiently as possible.
By replacing the air filter periodically, you can help ensure that your AC unit is running at peak performance and not clogged up with dirt and debris.
Risks of Attempting DIY Repairs
For the majority of the areas we’ve gone over here (with the exception of a dirty air filter, naturally), attempting any sort of DIY repair can be extremely risky. Refilling refrigerant or replacing major components like the indoor coil or blower fan should always be left to professionals with experience in AC maintenance and repairs, as it could potentially lead to further damage if done incorrectly.
Not just this, but you could be risking your own safety when attempting some of these repairs on your own.
At Accurate Air, our team of HVAC experts are ready to help you get your AC unit back in top shape for the summer season. Contact us for information on any of our AC or other HVAC services for clients around Tempe, Scottsdale and nearby areas.
