What Causes Ice To Form on an AC Unit in Barboursville, West Virginia?

Forge Heating and Cooling takes calls from frustrated customers who describe finding ice on AC units and experiencing poor cooling problems. Freezing might seem surprising in warm weather, but ice buildup is a common sign of air conditioning system trouble.

As a leading provider of expert AC services in Barboursville, West Virginia, we’d like to walk you through the top causes of this summertime cooling unit problem. Read on for tips on how to handle ice on coils and more.

The Top Reasons Ice Forms on Air Conditioning Units

Your air conditioner cools your home by drawing in warm air. It cools it by passing the air over evaporator coils, which are filled with refrigerant. Once the refrigerant absorbs the heat, the air conditioner circulates the cooled air back into your living space. 

What about when something disrupts that process? Typically, problems occur with restricted airflow, low refrigerant, or mechanical failure. At this point, the coils become too cold, which results in nearby water vapor freezing on the surface of the coils and the surrounding areas.

Whether it’s a dirty air filter or a mechanical failure, ice buildup always puts stress on your system and presents risks of long-term system damage. Frozen evaporator coils also immediately reduce cooling performance because the ice not only blocks airflow but can also necessitate expensive compressor repairs. Plus, when this ice melts, an overflowing drain pan can often cause water damage.

Leading Causes of Ice on AC Units in Barboursville, West Virginia

These are the two leading reasons for ice on AC units: bad airflow and low coolant.

1. Restricted Airflow From Clogged Filters or Blocked Vents

Poor system airflow is the leading reason we see ice on AC units in Barboursville. Without a steady stream of warm air moving over the evaporator coils, their temperature quickly dips below freezing. Dirty air filters are the top cause of restricted airflow, as they fill up quickly when trapping dust and debris that would otherwise damage your air conditioner.

If your system is running but the airflow feels weak or warm, check the filter. Property owners in Barboursville should replace air conditioning filters no less than every 30 to 90 days. Other airflow restrictions include closed or blocked supply and return vents, dirty evaporator coils, or a malfunctioning blower motor.

2. Low Refrigerant from a Leak or Improper Charge

Dipping refrigerant levels prevent your air conditioner from effectively absorbing heat, so watch out for:

• Hissing or bubbling sounds near the refrigerant lines
• Reduced cooling power
• Higher electric bills
• Persistent ice buildup even after thawing

When the refrigerant doesn’t absorb enough heat, the pressure inside the evaporator coil drops, and the temperature plummets. That’s one of the top causes of ice on AC units and leads to cascading problems. Refrigerants don’t get “used up,” so if levels dip, there’s likely a leak that only licensed HVAC technicians should repair and recharge.

Follow These Steps for a Safe and Simple Air Conditioner Thawing Process

If you spot ice, never scrape it off. You’ll cause serious damage to the coils. 

Follow this safe thawing process instead:

1. Turn off the AC at the thermostat: Switch the system to “fan only” mode to blow warm air over the coils and melt the ice faster. The system must not be in cooling mode.
2. Place towels under the indoor unit: You’ll need to catch water as the coils thaw out.
3. Wait several hours, preferably overnight: Avoid restarting your air conditioner until the ice is completely gone.
4. Check your air filter and vents: Replace the filter if it appears dirty and check that every vent is open and unblocked. 
5. Turn on cooling mode: If ice returns, switch it off again. 

Call trusted local HVAC system service providers like Forge Heating and Cooling for repairs before you use the air conditioner again.

Professional HVAC System Maintenance Protects Against Freezing

Want to avoid ice on AC units? Routine AC system maintenance is crucial to keep your air conditioner operating efficiently. Between our annual visits, here are the maintenance tasks we recommend:

• Change your air filter every 30 to 90 days.
• Keep vents clear of furniture or curtains.
• Schedule annual HVAC maintenance with a local professional.
• Note unusual noises, inconsistent cooling, or higher bills.

If you’re still facing summertime air conditioning issues in the Barboursville community, reach out to trusted local HVAC system experts!