Why Ice on Your Coils Indicates a Need For Air Conditioning Repair
If you’ve ever seen ice and frost on your AC evaporator coil, it means there’s a problem that needs to be addressed. Ice accumulation is often caused by low refrigerant levels, which can lead to compressor failure if left unchecked.
In order to prevent this, it’s important to have your AC unit serviced regularly by a qualified technician. One of our technicians at Robert B. Payne will be able to identify any potential problems and make the necessary repairs to ensure your system is running safely and efficiently.
Ice on Your AC Coils And Why It Needs Repair
Common causes for ice and frost formation on the evaporator coils are;
- Lowered refrigerant charge
- Improper airflow
- Dirty evaporator coil
- Dirty air filter
- Defective fan motor
- Low outdoor temperature
In general, the problem occurs because the evaporator coil is unable to successfully absorb heat. As a result, the cold refrigerant moving in the coil is not able to warm up and the moisture that condenses on the freezes up.
The ice that forms on the coil blocks the airflow, making the coil even colder and exacerbating the problem. After a while, the coil may be completely covered in ice, preventing heat exchange and causing a loss of AC cooling power. Eventually, the compressor will fail due to the increased load.
Lowered Refrigerant Charge
Low refrigerant charge is the key cause of this problem and can be due to a number of factors such as a leak, an improper charge, or a faulty compressor. It sets the ice formation off and changes the pressure inside the system, which can harm other components. The compressor is the major component under threat. It may overheat and burn since the refrigerant is unable to cool it down.
If you’ve noticed ice on your coils and suspect that there’s a refrigerant leak, it’s important to call in a professional to diagnose the issue and make the necessary repairs. Robert B. Payne has been providing quality air conditioning service in Fredericksburg, VA and neighboring areas for over 50 years and we’re here to help you keep your system running safely and efficiently.
Improper Airflow
Improper airflow is another common cause of the formation of ice and frost on AC coils. This is usually due to dirty air filters or blocked vents. A dirty filter will stop the air from flowing through the unit properly, causing it to become overloaded and overheat. This can also damage the compressor.
Dirty Evaporator Coil
An evaporator coil covered in dirt and dust will not be able to absorb heat properly, which will lead to the formation of ice and frost. Blocked vents can have the same effect. If something is blocking the airflow, it will prevent the unit from cooling down properly and cause the coils to freeze up.
Dirty Air Filter
The most common cause of ice and frost on your AC coil is a dirty air filter. The good news is that this problem is avoidable. You should change your air filter every month or so to ensure optimal airflow and cooling. You can also have a technician check the unit for any other potential problems that may be causing the issue.
Defective Fan Motor
A defective fan motor is yet another cause of coil icing, and it’s not as easy to fix. If the fan motor is not working properly, it will not be able to move enough air over the coils and they will become iced up. The only solution is to replace the fan motor, which is a more complicated repair than most.
Low Outdoor Temperature
Low outdoor temperature can also cause the coils to freeze up. If it’s too cold outside, the unit will have to work harder to keep your home comfortable and this may lead to ice on the coils. Coils usually work by absorbing heat from the surrounding air. When it’s cold outside, there is not enough heat to go around and the coils will freeze up.
Don’t Let Ice on Your Coils Steal Your Comfort This Summer
If you see ice and frost on your AC evaporator coil, it means there’s a problem that needs to be addressed quickly. It is important to call a qualified technician for repair. Robert B. Payne offers full-service AC repair for all brands and models of equipment. We also provide quality air conditioning service in Fredericksburg, VA and the nearby communities. Contact us today at 540-373-5876 to schedule an appointment.