If you notice ice building up on your air conditioner, you have a problem. While it may seem like ice is a sign that your air conditioner is doing its job, it’s actually an indication that your evaporator coil is malfunctioning. Air conditioner ice can become a serious threat to the system if it’s left alone for long enough. Let’s take a look at why air conditioner ice forms, and why it’s so dangerous.
The Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil is the part of your air conditioner that siphons heat from your home’s air. It does this by evaporating refrigerant, absorbing thermal energy. Ice forms on the evaporator coil if the air flow is cut off, which throws off the temperature balance and causes the condensate on the coil to freeze. Air flow is typically cut off by a clogged air filter, which
Problems Caused by Ice
There are a number of problems that ice on the evaporator coil can cause. First, as long as the evaporator coil is encased in ice it will not be able to siphon heat from the air. Second, the longer the ice is allowed to build on the coil, the more weight it puts on it. Eventually, that weight will permanently warp the coil and require that it be replaced. Finally, the longer the ice is left alone, the more it will spread. Eventually, it can move down the refrigerant line to other parts of the system and cause more problems. It is very possible to have the entire system breakdown due to the ice. That’s why you need to have the ice removed as soon as possible.
If you have ice on your air conditioner, call Touchstone Heating & Air Inc. We provide air conditioner services throughout Gainesville, FL.