Air conditioner ice may seem like a good thing on a boiling hot day, but it really isn’t. It means your air conditioner is dealing with a serious problem. If you’re not careful, air conditioner ice can eventually cause the entire system to break down. We recommend that you call for repairs as soon as you notice that your system is freezing over.
While you’re waiting for your technician to arrive, though, check out the 5 reasons why your air conditioner may be frozen.
The Air Filter Is Clogged
Air conditioners freeze because there isn’t enough warm air flowing over the evaporator coil. That’s the part of the air conditioner responsible for actually cooling your home. If there isn’t enough warm air moving over it, the system will keep lowering the temperature in the air around it until it drops below freezing. Condensate that forms on the coil during operation will then freeze into ice, and we’re off to the races.
The air filter is a part of the air conditioner that protects it from the various dust and debris found in the ducts. This part needs to be changed out every few months while the air conditioner is in-use, or it will become clogged. If the filter clogs, it will cut off most of the airflow from the ducts from making it into the air conditioner. This is the most common cause of air conditioner coils freezing over.
The Air Handler Is Broken
Another possible reason why your air conditioner is frozen over is the air handler not working properly. The air handler is the part of the air conditioner that circulates air throughout the ducts while the system is on. It’s basically a large motor with a fan attached to it. Like all other parts of the air conditioner, the air handler is capable of malfunctioning in various ways. If the air handler isn’t working properly, the air conditioner isn’t moving enough (or any) air over the coil to keep it from freezing.
The Coil Is Dirty
The coil itself might also be the source of your problem. Air conditioner coils tend to attract a lot of dirt and other detritus over the years, mostly because of the condensate that forms on them during operation. If the coil isn’t cleaned every once in a while, it can become so dirty that it’s insulated from the air flowing over it. This will cause the coil to freeze, just as if the filter were clogged or the air handler broken. Preventive maintenance appointments conducted every year are a great way to prevent this from happening, as they will often include inspecting and cleaning the air conditioner coil.
The A/C Guy of Tampa Bay, Inc. provides a full range of AC repair services in Tampa, FL. If you’re in need of air conditioning repair services, we can help you out. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our professional technicians. We’ll make sure that your air conditioner serves you well this summer.