The days are starting to heat up, and you’re probably going to be using your air conditioner to keep comfortable on a regular basis if you aren’t already. As you start to use your air conditioner more and more often, the added stress may cause problems for the system as the summer wears on. One of those problems is ice. Let’ take a look at why ice forms on your air conditioner, and why it’s a problem.
The Evaporator Coil
Your air conditioner cools your home by using a part called the evaporator coil. This coil is located in the inside unit, right below the air return duct. As warm air flows over the coil, the part evaporates refrigerant to siphon thermal energy out of it. The air temperature around the coil drops, and condensation forms on the coil during operation. Normally, the constant flow of warm air maintains the temperature enough for the condensate to remain liquid. Condensate normally drains off of the coil into a separate disposal line. If the flow of warm air is ever interrupted, though, the temperature around the coil will eventually drop to the point that it freezes.