Running your air conditioner on a hot summer day could make your home feel like an igloo, but it shouldn’t cause ice to form around your cooling system. This begs the question: Why is there ice on my AC unit?
As a leading provider of AC services in Washington, UT, Iron Mountain Plumbing knows how to address this problem. Discover some common reasons for ice forming on outdoor units and how to fix your system.
Why You Can’t Ignore Ice Buildup on Your Air Conditioner
Uninformed homeowners might assume that ice crystals forming around their air conditioners mean the system is doing its job. After all, the unit’s main purpose is to cool the indoor air, so shouldn’t the presence of ice indicate exceptional cooling power?
Finding ice around your outdoor unit points to a performance issue that you need to fix quickly. Ignoring the problem can have long-term effects on your comfort and your wallet. By failing to address the underlying cause, you could experience the following:
- Increased system wear and tear
- Reduced cooling efficiency
- Higher energy costs
Don’t risk your air conditioning system breaking down when you need it most. Contact HVAC technicians to inspect the equipment and restore its performance.
Five Common Reasons Why Ice Forms on Air Conditioners in Washington, Utah
Why is there ice on my AC unit? Ask a professional technician this question, and they’ll offer several possible explanations. Check out some of the most common causes of ice formation on HVAC equipment below.
1. Dirty Air Filters
Restricted airflow is a problem for any cooling system. It prevents the coils that trap and transfer heat from working properly, which can lead to a frozen evaporator coil and subsequent ice formation around the outdoor condenser. One of the biggest culprits of restricted airflow is a clogged HVAC filter.
Replace your filter every one to three months or more frequently if you notice the air quality inside your Washington home declining. Ignoring this vital piece of maintenance could lead to costly problems down the road.
2. Low Refrigerant Levels
Air conditioners don’t produce cool air like a furnace produces heat. Instead, they rely on liquid refrigerant to absorb heat inside your home and transfer it outside. If the refrigerant levels inside the coils run low, it won’t be able to absorb adequate heat.
As a result, the cold refrigerant will travel through the evaporator coil and cause it to freeze. The problem will escalate to ice forming around the external equipment. Contact a licensed technician who can diagnose and repair refrigerant leaks.
3. A Thermostat Malfunction
If you’re wondering, “Why is there ice on my AC unit?” it could be time to check your thermostat settings. Letting your system run nonstop may cause condensation on the coils to freeze, leading to a noticeable buildup of ice crystals. To prevent this, experts recommend adjusting the thermostat settings so the system goes through cycles rather than consistently cooling.
4. A Dirty Evaporator Coil
You have a major issue on your hands if refrigerant can’t absorb heat. This could be due to a leak, as previously mentioned, or dirt covering the evaporator coil. This component carries liquid refrigerant through the rest of the system and may freeze if it can’t effectively trap heat.
A buildup of dirt and grime on the coil insulates the metal, which prevents heat absorption. As a result, the coil will freeze and impact your home’s comfort.
5. A Lack of HVAC System Maintenance
Washington homeowners should keep up with routine air conditioning maintenance if they want to avoid ice forming around their outdoor cooling units. During a tune-up service, technicians perform tasks that prevent all of the aforementioned issues, including:
- Replacing dirty filters
- Cleaning coils
- Inspecting thermostats
- Topping off refrigerant levels
By investing in yearly maintenance, you’ll prevent unexpected breakdowns during the middle of a sweltering Utah summer. This essential service also helps your system reach its full lifespan while reducing your energy costs.
Protect Your HVAC System With Help From Washington’s Trusted Home Service Provider
Stop wondering, “Why is there ice on my AC unit, and what can I do to fix it?” When you need help troubleshooting common HVAC problems, look no further than Iron Mountain Plumbing. We proudly serve Washington and surrounding communities in the St. George metropolitan area.
Reach out to our team whenever you’re facing issues with your HVAC equipment. We provide fast, reliable, and cost-effective solutions.
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