What Causes an AC to Ice Up?

Icy coils are common with many air conditioners. And though you can always defrost a frozen unit, the problem may recur when an underlying malfunction goes unnoticed. Unfortunately, such a problem is often difficult to diagnose without a professional inspection from an AC company in Horry County, South Carolina.

There are many possible causes of frozen AC coils, such as the ones listed below, and determining the correct cause is the vital first step in fixing the unit:

Backed Up Air Filter

Even before you call in an AC company in Horry County, take a minute to inspect your unit’s air filter. A clogged filter can block cooled air, causing it to back up. And in doing so, that cooled air freezes the moisture on the unit’s coils, leading to an icy buildup.

Defective Blower

The blower assembly is responsible for pushing cool air through the AC’s air filter and out to your ducts. A faulty blower motor, worn belts, or an outright damaged blower fan can slow down airflow. Each of these malfunctions does the same thing as a dirty air filter, causing the condensation on the coils to freeze.

Refrigerant Leaks

While you will need an AC company in Horry County to repair a refrigerant leak, you can still identify the problem firsthand. In addition to icy coils, listen for a gurgling sound or remain alert for longer cooling cycles. Low refrigerant can only result from a leak, and since it plays an essential role in cooling your indoor air, it's vital to fix the leak before your air conditioner stops working altogether.

Full Drain Pan

The condensate line flushes water from the drain pan and carries it outside. When that line has a blockage or damage, the drain pan fills up rapidly. In addition to water leaking from the pan, the moisture will back up and prevent proper draining from the coils. Any additional moisture the coils produce will freeze and form ice. 

Stay Cool With Expert AC Care From an AC Company in Horry County

Ocean Air Cooling provides comprehensive air conditioner services. We'll provide maintenance, repairs, or new cooling system installations. Contact us when you're ready to schedule service.