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Seeing ice on your air conditioner might seem odd—especially in the middle of a hot Massachusetts summer. But believe it or not, this chilly sight is a red flag that something isn’t right with your cooling system. While it might be tempting to brush it off, ignoring ice on your AC can lead to bigger problems—both for your comfort and your wallet.
Here at CPS Heating & Cooling, we’ve seen firsthand how minor issues like this can spiral into costly repairs when left untreated. Let’s take a look at why ice forms on your AC and what you should do if you spot it.
What Causes Ice to Form on an AC?
1. Restricted Airflow
The most common cause of a frozen air conditioner is poor airflow. This can happen due to a dirty air filter, blocked vents, or a failing blower motor. When air can’t move freely over the evaporator coil, the coil gets too cold, causing moisture in the air to freeze on the coil’s surface.
2. Low Refrigerant Levels
If your system is low on refrigerant, pressure inside the coil drops, leading to lower temperatures and—you guessed it—ice formation. Low refrigerant usually signals a leak, which needs immediate attention from a professional.
3. Thermostat or Sensor Issues
A faulty thermostat or sensor might cause the system to run too long, overcooling the coil and freezing any condensation that collects there.
4. Dirty Coils
Dust and grime on the evaporator coils act like insulation, trapping cold air and causing the surface temperature to drop too much, leading to ice buildup.
Why You Should Never Ignore Ice on Your AC
1. Reduced Efficiency
A frozen AC can’t cool your home properly. You may notice warm air coming from the vents or longer-than-usual cooling cycles. This drives up your energy bills while delivering less comfort.
2. Risk of System Damage
Ignoring the issue can strain your compressor or damage your refrigerant lines—both of which are expensive components to replace.
3. It Won’t Fix Itself
Once ice begins to form, the problem will continue to worsen without intervention. Shutting off your unit temporarily might melt the ice, but the root cause will remain until properly diagnosed and repaired.
What Should You Do?
If you spot ice on your AC, turn off the system immediately to prevent further damage. Then, call the experts at CPS Heating & Cooling for a professional diagnosis and repair. Our NATE-certified technicians will assess the issue, restore your system’s performance, and help you avoid a repeat problem.
Call the Local Cooling Experts Before Ice Causes Damage
For fast, honest AC service in Westborough and the Boston Metro West area, reach out to CPS Heating & Cooling today at (508) 501-8848. We’ll get to the root of the issue and bring back the cool comfort your home deserves—without the frostbite.