Potential Causes Of Icy Air Conditioning Units
The presence of ice in an air conditioning system is abnormal. You might think that since AC systems are responsible for providing cool air, the presence of ice is not a sign of a serious problem. However, icy units are a sign that something is wrong and that an AC repair may be required. The following points represent a few things that can cause this phenomenon to happen.
Dirty Evaporator Coils
When routine AC maintenance is performed, technicians clean all components of the AC system. This removes dust from important components like the evaporator coils. The coils are the likely place where ice will be noted. Dirty evaporator coils can interfere with proper condensation and heat transfer exchanges. The condensation produced by a unit with dirty coils will linger on the coils rather than condensate in its normal way. The result will appear as ice on the coils. It is best to get a professional in this situation because it requires proper cleaning. A layperson may use the wrong type of cleaning solutions and techniques, which could damage the AC system.
Airflow Issues
This will also result in icy evaporator coils. The ice in this situation will likely be due to obscurities that interfere with heat transfer to the coils. Potential areas of concern are air ducts that are dirty or have leaks, blocked supply registers, and dirty air filters. The latter two are things that you can observe on your own. Check to ensure that you do not have anything blocking your supply resisters. Perform a second check to see if your air filter needs changing. If there is an air duct issue, it might be difficult for the average person to determine. They also likely lack the skills needed to replace ductwork or clean dirty air ducts.
Blower Fan Issue
The blower fan is an essential part of the HVAC system. It is needed for the AC system because the fan draws in hot air and transfers it to the air ducts. Blower fans also distribute cooled air throughout homes. If the fan or motor is damaged, the AC system will not perform correctly. If homeowners try to run their air conditioning units in an effort to cool their homes, icy coils will be the result because of the interference with proper heat transfer and cooling processes.
An HVAC contractor is a good resource to use to determine the exact reason an AC system has ice formation. Many of the issues associated with ice formation could be prevented if routine AC services are sought. Preventative maintenance can extend the lifespan of AC systems, and inspections can yield results that lead to the early detection of issues with the system.
For more information about air conditioning maintenance and repair, contact a local HVAC technician.
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