What Causes Ice Buildup on AC Units?

An air conditioner should never have ice on it. If you’re unit is frozen, chill out and discover that it takes to break the ice.

The Primary Source of Ice Buildup

All air conditioning systems must have proper air flow. The evaporator coil is the central component that requires it. If enough air does not circulate around this component, the temperature within an air conditioner will gradually drop, and the system itself will begin to freeze.

Typically, ice will form on the top of a unit first. However, if the problem is not addressed in a timely manner, more issues will develop.

To prevent ice buildups, you must change your air filter regularly. If your filter is clean, you’ll need to check the evaporator coil for clogs. You should look for hair, dirt, and other forms of debris that could interfere with the coil.

In addition to poor circulation, there are other issues that can trigger the accumulation of ice. These problems can include:

A refrigerant leak
A clogged drain pipe
Temperature inconsistencies outdoors
Improper thermostat settings

Inspection Tactics

If an air conditioner is starting to freeze, it’s important to look for signs of moisture. You’ll could find signs of moisture on the drain and the refrigerant line outdoors and beams of water on the air handler indoors.

How to Address a Frozen Air Conditioner

If you find that your air conditioner is completely frozen, don’t panic. Instead, be tactical and follow these strategic steps.

First, turn off the unit and give it time to thaw out. In most cases, the ice should completely melt in about five hours.

Next, check the state of the air filter. If the filter is not clean, you’ll need to replace it with a new one.

After the unit has thawed, turn the system back on and examine it. If the unit continues to accumulate ice, contact an air conditioner repair technician.