It’s not uncommon to find ice on your air conditioner during the hot summer months in Sarasota, Florida. Though it may seem strange to see ice outside in the sweltering heat, there’s a commonsense cause for this problem. You should keep an eye out for ice so you can address the issue promptly and take care of it before it gets worse.
Where it Comes From
Ice typically forms on an air conditioner for one of two reasons. If your air filter is clogged with excess dirt and dust, your evaporator coil won’t get adequate air flow. This causes temperatures to drop dangerously. Florida humidity gathers on the coils, and ice will form.
The second cause of ice on the air conditioner is low refrigerant. If it’s operating properly, your system does not use up refrigerant. A low refrigerant level means either your system wasn’t properly charged at installation or it has a leak.
What to Do
If you notice ice on your air conditioner, you should immediately turn off the unit. Let the ice melt completely before turning it on again for any reason. Don’t try to knock the ice off, chip it away, or melt it with a blow dryer or other heat source. Let it happen naturally. Check your air filter and see if it’s dark, dirty, and clogged. If it is, you may be able to resolve your problem with a new filter.
Calling a Professional
If your air filter isn’t excessively dirty, you should contact a professional HVAC technician. Your technician will check the system’s refrigerant level and identify where the problem is. If there’s a leak, you should have this repaired before the system is recharged and operated again. Never try adding refrigerant yourself. This is something you should always leave to a professional.
Ice on the air conditioner is a fairly common problem, but it’s not something you can afford to ignore. Contact Climatic Conditioning Co. Inc. at (941) 758-3080 for prompt service to resolve this issue.
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