Your AC should be able to reliably keep your home in Argenta, IL, cool this summer. However, ice forming on it doesn’t mean it’s working better than it should; it might surprise you to find out that it’s the opposite. Here are three potential reasons why there’s ice on your AC equipment.
1. Low Refrigerant Levels
Normally, after your AC moves refrigerant into its evaporator coil, warm air should pass over it. The refrigerant should then absorb the heat from that warm air, causing temperatures to rise and condensation to form. (That condensation should eventually drip into the system’s drain pan and exit the system.)
However, if refrigerant ever leaks out of the system, the temperature around your AC’s evaporator coil can drop. As a result, condensation in the area may freeze and form ice crystals.
The solution to this problem is to fix all refrigerant leaks and recharge the system. However, since refrigerant is toxic, you should only trust trained professionals to do this work.
2. Dirty Evaporator Coil
An alternate possibility is that there’s something covering your AC’s evaporator coil (usually dirt and debris). If this happens, the debris will prevent the coil from transferring heat, which will also cause temperatures to drop and make it easier for ice to form. If you want to undo the damage that a dirty evaporator coil can cause, ask an HVAC technician to clean it during maintenance.
3. Dirty Filters
Finally, dirty air filters may restrict airflow through your AC, causing pressure issues and straining your system. The consequence is a temperature drop in areas where condensation is likely to form. Luckily, to keep this from happening, all you need to do is remember to change the filters about once every three months.
Normally, your AC should enter defrost mode and melt any ice that appears on it of its own accord. If this doesn’t happen, call Tica, Inc. Heating & Cooling and request AC repair services near Argenta, IL.
Image provided by iStock
