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Never Ignore Ice on Your Air Conditioner: Here's Why

Ice on AC
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Finding ice on your air conditioner might seem like a strange sight—especially during the warmer months when you’re counting on it to cool your home. But while it may seem harmless or even expected, ice buildup is never a good sign. At Aspinwall Plumbing, we’ve helped countless Quincy homeowners identify and resolve the root causes of frozen AC units. If you notice ice on your system, don’t ignore it. Here’s why it’s important to act fast.

What Causes Ice to Form on an AC?

There are a few common culprits behind an air conditioner that freezes up:

  • Restricted Airflow: Dirty air filters, blocked vents, or clogged ductwork can reduce airflow over the evaporator coils. Without enough warm air passing over them, the coils freeze instead of cooling properly.

  • Low Refrigerant Levels: A refrigerant leak or low refrigerant levels can cause the pressure in your AC system to drop. This lowers the temperature of the evaporator coils, causing condensation to freeze.

  • Faulty Blower Fan: If the fan that pushes air over the coils isn’t working properly, the lack of movement can result in icy buildup.

  • Thermostat Issues: A broken thermostat might cause your system to run longer than necessary, allowing moisture on the coils to freeze up over time.

Why Ice on Your AC Is a Big Deal

It’s easy to think the system is just working harder to cool your home, but ice is actually a red flag. Ignoring the problem can lead to:

  • System Damage: Ice buildup puts strain on your AC components, which could lead to compressor failure or other costly AC repairs.

  • Higher Energy Bills: When your system is struggling to cool, it has to work longer and harder—leading to higher utility bills.

  • Reduced Comfort: Ironically, a frozen AC often cools your home less effectively, leaving you feeling uncomfortable despite the system running nonstop.

  • Shortened Lifespan: Constant stress on your unit from untreated issues can shorten the lifespan of your air conditioner.

What to Do If You See Ice on Your AC

If you notice ice on your air conditioner, your first step should be to turn the system off and allow it to thaw. Don’t try to chip the ice off—it could damage sensitive components.

Next, give our team at Aspinwall Plumbing a call. Our trained technicians will assess the system, pinpoint the cause of the freezing, and get your AC running safely and efficiently again. We bring the same care to your HVAC issues as we do to every plumbing service we offer—thorough, honest, and neighborly.

Stay Cool and Safe with Professional Help

Air conditioning issues like freezing coils shouldn’t be ignored. Trust a local team that understands Quincy homes, systems, and climate challenges. At Aspinwall Plumbing, we’re more than just plumbers—we’re here to protect your comfort year-round.

Call us today at (617) 539-7672!

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