What to Do if You See Ice on Your AC Unit

It might not seem like ice on your AC unit would be a big deal—it’s supposed to be cold, right? However, this is not the case. Ice on an air conditioner means that something isn’t operating correctly, and it’s an indicator that serious damage to your unit is on the horizon if you don’t do something about it.

Why does ice form on an AC unit?
There are several reasons why ice might be forming on your AC unit, but the most common culprit is a dirty air filter. During the summer months, when your air conditioner is running on a regular basis, you should be changing your filters once a month—unfortunately, many people don’t know this or simply forget about it.

An evaporator coil covered in grime is another reason why your AC might be icing over. Like your air filters, evaporator coils need to be maintained regularly in order to function correctly.

Finally, in severe cases, an icy AC unit can be caused by a loss of refrigerant charge, which causes an imbalance in the correct amount of refrigerant gas being pumped into the system. Ironically, while a lack of charge can cause a unit to ice over, it also causes your AC to overheat. This can lead to damage from burnout, but it also poses a fire risk for your home as well.

What should be done if I notice ice on my unit?
The first thing you should do is check your filter. If it’s indeed dirty then a simple change should clear up your ice problems in a timely manner. However, if you’ve recently replaced the filter and you’re still experiencing ice, that’s an indication that something more serious is going wrong. Both evaporator coil and refrigerant charge issues cannot be resolved without the help of an AC specialist.
If that’s the case, then you’re in need of an emergency AC repair. Luckily, Harrell Home Services is here to help! We’ve been dealing with AC repair in Orlando and Tampa for years, and we’re more than happy to assist you with whatever system problems you may be having. Give us a call today!

Call Harrell Home Services for fast and professional service.

(813) 413-5550
Tampa

(727) 231-6012
St. Pete/Clearwater

(407) 545-7535
Orlando

(352) 205-4230
Clermont