An air conditioning unit keeps your interiors cool. However, it can sometimes have ice buildup, especially during warm weather. When frost forms on your cooling equipment, you’ll notice less or no air blowing out. The problem is usually a result of restricted airflow or low refrigerant. Here's a closer look.

What Causes Restricted Airflow?

The evaporator coils in an air conditioning unit contain refrigerant to absorb heat from your home’s warm air. Inside them, the temperature reaches as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit because of the refrigerant. Without adequate warm air regularly blowing over the coils’ surface, ice or frost may eventually build up. 

The lack of proper airflow around the evaporator coils may be due to the following:

• Clogged air filters
• Dirty evaporator coils
• Blocked air vents
• Leaky air ducts
• Problems with the blower fan

You can prevent this problem by turning off your AC or setting it to run by the fan to defrost. Maintain it in fan mode until the coils dry. Keep the coils and vents clear and replace dirty, clogged filters. But if the issue persists, let an HVAC professional troubleshoot the issue.    

Why Would You Have Low Refrigerant?

When your unit runs low on refrigerant or Freon, the pressure in the evaporator coils drops, allowing moisture in the air to accumulate and freeze. Since your cooling equipment is a closed-loop system, the only way for refrigerant levels to go down is through a leak.

Fixing a refrigerant leak is a job for professional HVAC technicians. They will know how to identify the leak, and they come prepared with the right tools and training to resolve the problem. While waiting for them to arrive, shut down the AC or switch to fan mode to thaw out the ice. 

If you notice ice on your air conditioning unit, turn toC & S Heating and Cooling. As one of the most trusted HVAC contractors in Wentzville, MO, they’ve provided reliable heating and air conditioning services, including installations, repairs, and maintenance, throughout the Tri-County area for over 30 years. See their full list of services online or reach out at (636) 327-4238 to set an appointment.