Why Is There Ice on My AC System in Tallahassee, FL?

If ice forms anywhere on your air conditioner, it’ll hinder the system from functioning properly and waste energy. That’s unacceptable in the summer heat of Tallahassee, FL. But if this happens, you’re bound to wonder why. Here are three reasons ice might form on your AC system and what you can do about it:

Low AC Refrigerant

If the supply of refrigerant inside your AC system runs low, this will decrease the pressure inside the air conditioner. This, in turn, will decrease internal system temperatures. If the temps get low enough, ice may form on your system as a result.

If your refrigerant supply is low, this means that refrigerant has likely been leaking somewhere. Refrigerant leaks are dangerous. You should request professional help to deal with this problem.

Restricted Airflow

Proper airflow is essential to keeping your AC system functioning efficiently. Ice buildup on the air conditioner is one possible consequence of restricted airflow.

Poor airflow can lead to ice buildup when air fails to pass properly over your air conditioner’s evaporator coil. The purpose of the evaporator coil is to hold chilled refrigerant so that it can absorb heat from your home’s indoor air. Once it absorbs the heat, the refrigerant warms up.

If airflow is poor, however, the refrigerant won’t absorb heat as required. Instead, it’ll remain cool — possibly too cool. If temperatures in the air conditioner remain below freezing, ice is bound to accumulate. Dirty air filters, clogged air vents and dirty, damaged or obstructed ductwork can all contribute to poor airflow.

Evaporator Coil Problems

Although we’ve briefly mentioned the evaporator coil already, problems with this critical AC system component can cause ice buildup. These evaporator coil issues could be completely independent of the state of your ductwork or air filters.

For example, dirt and other debris could accumulate on your evaporator coil over time and impede its functionality, leading to the problems we’ve already described. To keep this from happening, it’s a good idea to schedule regular AC maintenance and have a professional clean your coil.

If you’re looking for air conditioning repair, installation and more in Tallahassee, FL, look no further. Call Central Heating Consultants to take advantage of our many HVAC services.

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