Why Is There Ice Buildup On My Air Conditioner?

If you’ve noticed ice buildup on your air conditioner, it might seem strange considering it’s hot out, and it’s the summer! It’s also strange that this buildup of freezing ice is what is keeping the AC from cooling your home. It’s all very bizarre. 

However, ice accumulation is a common issue that is a clear sign that there is a problem with your air conditioner. There are a few different reasons your AC may be freezing up, and we want to address some of the most common ones, and let you know how to fix it.. Here are some of the most common reasons why your air conditioner might be icing over: 

Low Refrigerant or Refrigerant Leak

One of the primary reasons for ice buildup on an air conditioner is low refrigerant levels. Refrigerant is a crucial component in your AC system, and without it, your system would not be able to cool the air that goes through it. When the refrigerant levels drop, either due to a leak or insufficient charging, the pressure in the system decreases. This causes the evaporator coil to get too cold, leading to condensation on the coil freezing into ice.

If you have a refrigerant leak, you should call a professional HVAC technician right away. This problem can damage your air conditioning system, run your energy bills through the roof, and make your home uncomfortable! A professional will be able to fix your leak, and recharge the refrigerant in your AC system. 

Fan Not Operating Properly

The fan in your air conditioning system is a major component that is essential for operating efficiently. The blower fan circulates air over the evaporator coil, allowing the refrigerant to absorb heat efficiently. If the fan is not working correctly, the airflow over the coil is reduced, leading to a drop in temperature. This can cause the moisture in the air to freeze on the coil.

There are several reasons why the fan might not be operating properly. It could be due to a malfunctioning fan motor, a faulty fan belt, or an issue with the fan’s electrical components. This is another scenario that requires you to call an HVAC professional. They can either replace the fan if needed, or perform a repair to get it working again. 

Dirty Coils

Dirty coils are another common cause of ice buildup on air conditioners. Over time, dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate on the evaporator coil, reducing its ability to absorb heat. When the coil can’t effectively absorb heat, it becomes too cold, leading to the formation of ice.

Dirty coils not only cause ice buildup but also reduce the efficiency of your air conditioning system, leading to higher energy consumption and reduced cooling performance. You can actually clean the coils yourself if you are handy. This is also something an HVAC professional can do during routine AC service. 

If this is the cause of your buildup, it’s a very easy and inexpensive fix! 

Clogged Air Filter

A clogged air filter isa basic reason your AC can freeze up, and another one that is easy to fix. The air filter is responsible for trapping dust, dirt, and other particles from the air before it enters the evaporator coil. When the filter becomes clogged, it restricts airflow over the coil, causing the temperature to drop and ice to form.

We recommend changing your air filter at least once every 3 months to ensure proper airflow and prevent ice buildup on your unit. A clean air filter not only helps prevent ice formation but also improves the overall efficiency and performance of your air conditioning system, and keeps the air in your home cleaner! 

Poor Airflow

In addition to a clogged air filter, poor airflow can result from other issues such as blocked vents, closed registers, or ductwork obstructions. When airflow is restricted, the evaporator coil can become too cold, leading to ice buildup, just like with the clogged filter. 

This could either be an easy fix, or a bit tricky. First off, Ensure that all vents and registers are open and unobstructed is essential for maintaining proper airflow. Sometimes a couch or piece of furniture is moved and blocks a vent. Make sure yours are all clear. 

Additionally, regular inspections of your ductwork can help identify and address any obstructions or leaks that might be affecting airflow and causing ice formation. We recommend a duct cleaning every few years as well to clean any dirt and debris that may have built up.

What To Do If Your AC Is Frozen?

If you’ve noticed ice buildup on your air conditioner, there are several steps you can take to address the issue on your own, before you have to call a professional. Acting quickly can help prevent further damage to your AC system and get it working properly again! 

Let Your AC System Defrost

The first step when you notice ice buildup is to turn off your air conditioner and let it defrost. Running your AC with ice on the coils can cause further damage to the system, leading to potential compressor failure. Allowing the ice to melt will give you a better idea of the extent of the problem and make it easier to diagnose the underlying cause. 

For example, you can’t see if the coil is dirty if it is frozen over. 

While the system is defrosting, you can switch the thermostat to the “fan only” mode to help speed up the process. The fan will circulate warm air over the coils, helping to melt the ice more quickly.

Change Your Air Filter

As mentioned earlier, a clogged air filter is a common cause of ice buildup on air conditioners. After letting your system defrost, check the air filter and replace it if it’s dirty or clogged. A clean air filter will help restore proper airflow over the evaporator coil and prevent ice from forming in the future.

You should be changing your filter regularly anyway, but this is just another reason to perform this simple task! 

Call A Professional

If you’ve changed the air filter and allowed your system to defrost, but you’re still experiencing ice buildup, it’s time to call a professional technician. Ice formation can be a sign of more serious issues, such as low refrigerant levels, a refrigerant leak, faulty wires, or a malfunctioning fan. A qualified HVAC technician can diagnose the problem, give you options for repairing or replacing your AC, based on what the issue is, and then provide you with the solution.

There’s no reason you can’t take a look at it all yourself, but if you aren’t used to working with an air conditioning system, which most people are not, then you should leave it to the pros. We deal with these issues every day, and can help you take care of the AC and get it cooling again! 

Schedule Normal AC Service To Avoid A Frozen AC

The most effective way of preventing your AC from freezing over is with regular air conditioner maintenance. Regular servicing of your AC system by a professional technician is the best way to get the most out of your air conditioner. Routine AC service will: 

• Make your AC run more energy efficiently
• Lengthen the lifespan of your AC
• Reduce the likelihood of breakdowns and the unit freezing
• Improve the indoor air quality of your home
• Improve the cooling of your AC unit

During a routine maintenance visit, the technician will check refrigerant levels, inspect the coils, clean the air filter, and ensure that all components are operating correctly. Regular maintenance not only helps prevent ice buildup but also extends the lifespan of your air conditioning system and improves its overall efficiency.