Why Ice on Your Air Conditioner Is a Bad Sign

Most people don’t really know how their air conditioner works, because they really don’t have to in order to operate it. So when homeowners see ice forming on their air conditioners during the summer, some of them may intuitively guess that it’s a good thing. Unfortunately, ice on your air conditioner is actually a sign that the system is in dire need of repairs. Read on to find out why this happens, and what needs to be done about it.

The Evaporator Coil

Your air conditioner cools your home by using a part called the evaporator coil. This coil evaporates refrigerant to absorb heat from the air, thus cooling your home. It relies on a very precise temperature balance between the cool air around the coil, and the warm air flowing in from the home. If this balance is disrupted, typically by a clogged air coil or low refrigerant levels, the evaporator coil will freeze over.

Consequences of Air Conditioner Ice

Ice on the coil will prevent it from siphoning heat from the air, which means your air conditioner won’t be able to cool your home. That’s not the worst of it, though. If it isn’t removed in time, the ice can warp the coil under its weight. The ice can also spread to other parts of the system, causing them to freeze up and break down. Though it may seem like a minor thing, air conditioner ice is actually a sign that the whole system is in danger of a breakdown. So if you notice that there’s ice forming on your air conditioner, you should call for professional repairs as soon as possible. The sooner you call for repairs, the more damage you can prevent.

If you need help with your air conditioner, call Speedy Air Conditioning Service today. We serve all of Port St. Lucie, Fl.