What to do when the air conditioner has ice on it

My air conditioner has ice on it, what should I do?

When your air conditioner is freezing up

Many homeowners are alarmed when they discover ice forming on their air conditioners. Fortunately, the problem is often easily rectified and it usually doesn’t even require the services of a professional HVAC technician. One of the first signs that one has a problem is when one can’t seem to get their home cool enough. When a homeowner has their air conditioner on and the temperature properly set, but the air coming out of the vents just doesn’t seem cool enough, it’s time to check for signs of ice on their air conditioner. If a buildup of ice is discovered on the AC system, it’s important to immediately turn off the cooling system. Leave the air conditioner off until the ice has melted completely. While waiting for the air conditioner to thaw, take some time to discover what led to the problem in the first place. Oftentimes, when homeowners experience ice on their air conditioning equipment, it is due to a lack of proper airflow. If anything impedes the airflow through the cooling system, it can begin to freeze, forming visible ice on the outside of the equipment.

The first step is to clean or replace the air filter.

A dirty air filter can significantly impact the functioning of an air conditioning system. Next, check to make sure that no vents are blocked by furniture, boxes, or other items. If anything restricts this movement of air, the air conditioner has to work harder than necessary. This often leads to the AC system freezing and the formation of ice. Good airflow also relies on the outside unit being able to work properly. Regularly check to make sure lawn clippings, twigs, and other debris are not impeding the proper functioning of their outdoor unit. Clean under and around the unit to ensure proper airflow. Shrubs and trees should also be trimmed in order to make sure that nothing blocks good air flow around the outside unit. Once the ice has melted and one is sure that there is nothing blocking the system, it’s time to turn the air conditioner back on. The AC system should begin delivering cool air and it won’t be long before the homeowner has a home that is back to a comfortable temperature. If the ice problem continues, it’s time to give us a call at 618-254-0645.