Help! There’s Ice on My Air Conditioner…

Iced up air conditioners are an extremely common problem that we run into all season long. When the temperatures spike, ice can build up on or in you air conditioner. It may seem like something small, but it can lead to much larger issues. In this month’s blog we will go over ice forms and how you as a home owner can prevent it from happening.

First, if you see that your air conditioner has frozen up, turn it off immediately! The unit must be thawed for a technician to work on the system. Do this by heading to your thermostat and turning it in the “off” or “fan” position – leaving it on fan assists in the thawing. Make sure to keep an eye on the drain pan inside the evaporator coil as well, if this overflows you can experience other water damage.

1. Start by checking your filter: Air conditioners typically freeze up due to restricted air flow, remember to change your filter regularly and you can avoid this happening, if your ac does freeze up turn it off and then replace the filter, let it thaw and see if that fixes the issue
2. Also, check the condenser located outside: if you live in an area with a lot of trees, plants, grass, etc. your condenser may be dirty, we suggest washing off the condenser with a garden hose to remove any debris that may be constricting the airflow of the condenser
3. Inspect the air vents of your room: if you hold your hand in front of the vent feel for air leaking from the sides of the grate, also check to make sure vents and dampers are open
4. Call your service provider: there could be a bigger issue that you as a homeowner can not asses, this when you need to call a professional to come in and take a look…your system could be damaged or in need of refrigerant – it is best to call a company that is certified and insured

Also, don’t forget to get your ac cleaned & checked every season. Even if you do not get it until the end of summer you can ensure proper operation and longer equipment life.