Spotting ice on the air conditioning unit in your San Luis Obispo, California, home is often a concerning experience. This problem can happen as a result of several situations, including a low level of refrigerant, a dirty coil or air filter, or a problem with the wiring. Knowing what causes ice to form on an AC unit and what to do can help you get the issue resolved faster.
Low Refrigerant Level
The outdoor unit of your air conditioning system relies on refrigerant to remove heat from the air and provide a cool indoor atmosphere. If the pressure within the system changes, the physical properties of the refrigerant may also change, resulting in the potential for condensation to form on the line. As a result, that moisture can freeze on the coils, which causes ice to form. An HVAC technician can check the refrigerant level to determine if this is the issue.
Dirty Air Filter or Coil
Airflow is vital to the overall operation of your AC system. If the air can’t flow properly, condensation that collects on the coil turns into ice because of the lack of warm air from the inside of the house. Replacing a dirty, clogged air filter may resolve the issue, as airflow is heavily impacted by the condition of the HVAC filter. If this doesn’t resolve it, there may be a blockage or other issue somewhere in the system. A dirty coil could also be to blame, which can be cleaned by an HVAC expert.
Wiring Issue
Since your air conditioner relies on electricity to operate, an issue with the wiring may cause ice to form on the outdoor unit. If you notice that your AC runs for long periods, even after it’s reached the temperature set on the thermostat, the wiring may be to blame or you could have a failing electrical contact. Warm air moving through the system can also indicate an issue.
Our team of experts at Straight Line Heating and Cooling can diagnose cooling system problems and get them resolved. Contact us at (805) 286-8800.
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