Ice on Your AC System? How to Fix and Prevent It

You may be surprised to find ice on the air conditioner at your Sarasota, Florida, home. After all, the climate is temperate and the weather rarely gets cold enough to produce ice. Here are some possible causes and what you can do when ice appears on your AC system:

What Causes Ice to Form on Your AC System?

When ice appears on the air conditioner of your home, one of two things is usually the cause. The most common reason for icing is a lack of sufficient airflow over the unit’s coils, which causes the coil to drop below freezing temperature. A clogged filter is often at the root of this problem, so cleaning or replacing it is the easiest fix.

The other typical cause of icing is low refrigerant. A drop in the level can be due to a leak or an improper installation, which lets the evaporator coil get too cold.

What Can You Do About Icing on Your AC System?

The long-term solution to icing in the AC system may be an evaluation and service by a professional. However, here are a few steps you should immediately take when you discover this problem:

• Turn off the air conditioning system until the ice melts.
• Check the filter, and clean or change it if needed.
• Turn the system back on and see if the problem resolves. If not, call in a professional.

While you can do these things on your own, there are a few things you should never attempt on your own:

• If you see icing on your air conditioner, don’t let it continue to run. Doing so can damage the internal components.
• Never try to replace the refrigerant yourself.
• Don’t scrape off the ice, as this can further damage the unit.

To avoid damaging your unit, the safest way to deal with icing is to hire a professional. Call All American Heating & Cooling at (941) 451-5228. We will gladly fix your unit to keep you perfectly comfortable in your home.

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