Bloomington, IL Cooling Tips: What Causes an AC to Freeze?

Ice is refreshing when summer temperatures spike, but ice on your air conditioner has the opposite effect. Ice affects your AC system’s ability to keep your Bloomington, IL, home cool and can lead to costly repairs. Here are five reasons your air conditioner freezes even on the hottest summer day.

1. Low Refrigerant Level

When you’re low on refrigerant, the pressure drops in your system, causing temperatures to fall in your evaporator coil. Moisture from indoor air condenses on the coil, creating a thin coat of frost. The ice continues to build up and becomes thicker and thicker if left unattended.

2. Insufficient Airflow

If there isn’t enough air flowing around your evaporator coil, the coil will freeze. Inadequate airflow stems from several problems, including dirty or clogged air filters, blower motor damage, dirty fan blades, ductwork issues, and closing too many vents.

3. Blocked Condensate Line

Condensate lines drain excess moisture from the air. A clogged line causes the water to back up. The condensation from the evaporator coil has nowhere to go, so it begins to freeze on the coil.

4. Faulty Thermostat

The thermostat controls how hard your cooling system has to work to maintain a consistent temperature. A thermostat malfunction can lead to overuse and, if left unchecked, a frozen evaporator coil.

5. Outside Temperature Drops

Evaporator coils work by absorbing heat from the air. When outdoor conditions drop below 60 degrees, condensation can develop on the coil and freeze. A smart thermostat helps your AC system automatically adjust to outdoor conditions.

Regular maintenance helps prevent these situations and ensures your AC system performs at max capacity. To learn more about how our experienced Air King Inc. team can enhance your summer comfort, check out our HVAC maintenance services or call us today. Since 1995, we’ve perfected the art of providing five-star service and products to our loyal and valued customers.

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