Why Is There Ice on Your AC Unit in Aurora, IL?

When summer arrives here in Aurora, you count on your air conditioner to keep your home pleasantly cool. But after the unit has run for a while, you realize it doesn’t cool your home as well as it should. Upon closer inspection, you find ice forming on the system.

Why is there ice on your AC unit, and what can you do about it? Check out our troubleshooting tips, then call us for AC installation and replacement services in Aurora, IL.

What Causes Ice on an AC Unit in Aurora, Illinois?

If you find ice crystals on your air conditioner, first of all, don’t panic. Freezing doesn’t necessarily indicate a major problem with the unit. However, if you don’t fix the issue promptly, it could eventually damage the system. That’s why it’s best to find the culprit behind your frozen air conditioner sooner rather than later.

Let’s explore how to determine the cause of ice on your cooling system.

Blocked Airflow Through the Unit

Your air conditioner contains an evaporator coil through which the refrigerant flows. If something prevents air from blowing across the coil, it can freeze. Should this happen, you’ll see ice on the coil, and the unit won’t be able to cool your home.

A dirty air filter can cause evaporator coil freezing, as can objects such as furniture blocking the return vents. Ensure your unit has good airflow and allow the coil to thaw before running the air conditioner again.

A Dirty Evaporator Coil

Your system’s evaporator coil can also freeze if it’s dirty. Evaporator coils collect dirt and all sorts of grime, and when they get dirty enough, they’ll freeze over. So it’s a good idea to call an HVAC technician for regular maintenance, which includes an evaporator coil cleaning.

Even if you manage to thaw the frozen coil, your system won’t work properly until you have the coil cleaned. Don’t try to clean the coil yourself because it’s delicate and easy to damage. Call our HVAC pros for service instead.

Your Air Filter Is Clogged

Is your AC not cooling but freezing? If so, a filthy air filter may be to blame for ice on your AC unit. When dust and other debris clog your air filter, it greatly restricts the airflow through your system, which can cause it to freeze up.

Pull out your filter and check whether it’s white or black. If the latter, you’ll need to replace the filter with a new one. Replacing your filter is a simple task, but if you don’t know how to do it, call us.

The AC Refrigerant Is Low

Has your air conditioner’s performance gradually worsened over the past few weeks? Maybe the system won’t cool your Aurora home no matter how long you allow it to run. This is a major sign of low refrigerant levels, a problem most commonly associated with a refrigerant leak.

When you have a refrigerant leak, the pressure inside the system drops, which causes your evaporator coil to get too cold. Eventually, ice will form on the coil, and the air conditioner will stop working. An HVAC expert can find and repair the refrigerant leak for you. 

It’s Too Cold Outside

Some homeowners in Aurora love blasting their air conditioners all year long. If you’re one of them, know that this habit does your cooling system no favors. Your air conditioner wasn’t designed to work when outdoor temperatures fall below 62 degrees. If you run the unit when it’s cold outside, it can freeze and quit working.

Luckily, this is an easy fix. Shut off the system to allow it to thaw, and don’t run the air conditioner when temperatures dip into the low 60s.

Your Air Conditioner Has Mechanical Problems

If your air conditioner freezes and you don’t know why, there might be something mechanically wrong with the unit. For example, the fan, wiring, or valves may be broken and need replacement.

Some air conditioner repairs can be expensive. If your unit is 15+ years old and you’d rather not pay for a costly repair, it may be time to consider replacing it with a new one.