As you start to rely on your air conditioner for comfort more and more often this summer season, you may notice ice starting to form on the inside part of the unit. You may think, at first, that this is a sign that the air conditioner is operating as intended. It’s supposed to generate cool air, after all. However, air conditioner ice is actually a pretty serious sign that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Let’s take a look at why it happens, and what it can do to your system.
Causes
The air conditioner in your home cools it by using an evaporator coil, which evaporates refrigerant to siphon thermal energy from the air. The temperature around the coil is always dropping, and condensation forms on it during operation. The flow of warm air from the ducts ensures that the temperature around the coil remains above freezing. If the air flow is ever blocked, though, the temperature around the coil will drop below freezing and the condensate will form ice.
Problems
While frozen, an evaporator coil will be unable to siphon thermal energy from the air in the ducts. This will cause the output of your air conditioner to drop significantly. The weight of the ice can eventually become so heavy that it permanently warps the evaporator coil, requiring that you have a new one installed. The ice can also spread down the refrigerant line to other parts of the air conditioner, where it will cause them to malfunction and break down, as well. All of this can be prevented, providing you call for repairs as soon as you notice ice forming on the air conditioner.
Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling offers a full range of air conditioner services throughout Ambler, PA. Call today for an appointment.