
What Does Ice on an Air Conditioner Mean?
In certain parts of the country, there is still snow on the ground (or even in the forecast!). In other parts of the country, signs of warmer weather are becoming more apparent, though the real hot temperatures are still a ways off. Here in Arizona, though, we’re already seeing temperatures in the upper 70’s, or even the mid to high 80’s!. Our air conditioning systems often get a much earlier start than those in other areas, which is exactly why it is so important that you have yours tuned up and ready for action sooner rather than later.
Now, routine air conditioning maintenance is definitely the best way to keep your AC up and running properly. The truth of the matter, though, is that even the best air conditioners that are the most diligently maintained are not going to function 100% reliably. No mechanical system will. The best thing to do is to learn the warning signs of problems, so that you can schedule prompt air conditioning repairs. One issue that you may encounter is ice building up on your system.
Ice on the Evaporator Coil
You may not have much cause for checking in on your evaporator coil. However, it is actually very beneficial to do so every now and then. You may not feel comfortable cleaning your evaporator coil on your own — which is something that we are happy to do for you — but peeking into that air handler from time to time means that you can catch signs of icing over early on.
Your evaporator coil is the point at which refrigerant is evaporated, hence the name. The evaporation of your refrigerant allows for the removal of heat from the air within your home. If there is ice on your evaporator coil, then it will impede this process, causing your system to overwork itself in trying to cool your home. That is why it’s a problem — but what causes the icing?
If it is your evaporator coil that’s iced over, it could be something as simple as a dirty air filter. You could also have blower fan problems. How does this cause icing? By restricting airflow. If there is not enough hot air moving over the evaporator coil, then the coil can get too cold. When that happens, the condensation that collects 0n the coil before being drained down the condensate drain/pan assembly can freeze over. The thicker the ice gets, the more insulated the coil, so this is something of a self-perpetuating problem.
BONUS PRO-TIP!
Air conditioners do not use water in their operation (other than swamp coolers, which don’t use a refrigerant cycle). If you have a central AC or heat pump, and see water surrounding your indoor unit, it could be ice melting off of your evaporator coil.
Ice on the Condenser Unit/Refrigerant Lines
If you have ice on your outdoor unit, you’d probably be surprised considering just how hot the air outside is. Obviously, this is an abnormality. Ice on the outdoor unit, along with frost or ice on the refrigerant line themselves, will generally indicate a refrigerant leak. Basically, having too little refrigerant in the system is going to lead to issues with the heat transfer process, which can cause this icing. You may also have a refrigerant leak if your evaporator coil is iced over, though it’s not as immediately obvious and would likely be accompanied by these other points icing over.
Allowing your system to run when it’s icing over can lead to serious strain on your AC, particularly on your compressor. With weather as hot as ours, that is just inviting catastrophe to your system. Don’t let your system overheat and burn out. Contact our Phoenix office to have the problem resolved immediately.
Goettl Air Conditioning is here for all of your air conditioning service needs.
Testimonials
What Our Customers Say About Us
3/21/2025 Brandon Cerda was a great tech! He did a thorough inspection of my HVAC system and brought to my attention some concerning issues. Thank you for a great service experience!
1/13/2025 Nathan Bloodworth was a great tech very thorough, quick, and friendly. Great job!
8/13/2024 Joe Benavides was very professional and kind. He worked diligently to unclog my drain in my master bath and cleaned up when he was finished. We got to chat while he worked and he is such an awesome individual! Another great experience from Goettl! 👍
Darrell Gonzales did a wonderful job and was very thorough! Very professional! Goettl hires great people give them a call! 📞 👏
Thank you Goettl you are my new "go to" service company.
Thanks Clayton and Goettl!
The following day, Jesus Gloria came out to inspect and service my HVAC. Again, I couldn't have asked for better service. Jesus was knowledgeable and took extra steps to ensure there were no further issues with my unit.
I wouldn't think twice about using Goettl Air Conditioning & Plumbing again!
We discussed options and agreed that a detailed lcleaning and sewing of all the ducts should eliminate this problem. He discussed financing and, and returned the following morning to make all the arrangements. He also advised us not to continuously run the A/C fans when the unit was not cooling, which seems to have helped with the humidity already, even though the duct work isn’t scheduled for a few days hence.
It was a pleasure to work with a knowledgeable A/C technician who could quickly isolate the cause of our problem and arrange a solution.
Alex was great with tune up and customer service!
Darean Guerra was awesome and fotnthe job done. Thank you!
Jesus Gloria – Goettl Plumbing & A/C
Jesus Gloria was many things: professional, proficient, polite, easy to talk to, and a true pleasure to have in my home.
He’s exactly the kind of professional you want handling your service needs. Jesus explained everything clearly and patiently—no jargon, no pressure. Let’s be honest, customers like me can be tough—we want 5-star service on a shoestring budget—but Jesus never missed a beat.
I made several changes during the project—adding services, canceling others—and Jesus handled it all without delay. No need to call the office or rework paperwork. He updated the order, adjusted pricing, and gave me a clear face-to-face explanation on the spot. All same day.
That’s outstanding service.
Goettl may not be the cheapest company out there, but they’re professionals who exceed expectations and hire top-tier people like Jesus. That’s why I’ll remain a loyal customer.
Jesus Gloria has my back—and I have his.
Thank you
UPDATE: one of the area service managers contacted me after my review and apologized and stated they wanted to rectify the situation and asked about my service quote from the company I decided to go with. He wanted to do the service at the same price and deduct the $428 I previously paid for diagnosis and throw in 2 years of maintenance. He told me he would talk with his boss and call me the next morning. He told me to email the other quote. I emailed him and he gave me his number. I never heard from him again! He never called me the next day as he said he would or replied to my email at all. So I am now adding that they do not keep their word either to this review! Horrible way to do business. Go with ASC heating and air where they know how to treat people with compassion, keep their word, give free second opinions, have veteran discounts, great customer service- Marsha is great and so is Ron 😊
Nathan came by promptly and inspected plumbing, and caught an issue under warranty for us!
Just an update, Andrew Morgan came and rejuvenated our system and did a wonderful job. His communication was clear and efficient.
07/23/25 Update. After getting the new larger duct to the master bedroom, it still wasn’t cooling properly. Goettl sends out another tech that actually knew what he was doing. Tech Billy McDermott found the problem. There was an opening on the back of the unit in attic that was blowing cold air into the attic. Once he sealed it up, low and behold the cold air is now coming into the living areas and the set temp is holding. I am leaving this rating at one star because after several techs coming out and telling us it was an airflow issue and we spent an extra $6K on insulation, come to find out none of the techs including a supervisor could find the problem. From now on if we have issues with HVAC, I want Billy to come to our house.
AC not working again since Friday night (8/8/25). I contacted Goettl as instructed, not satisfied with the response, still waiting for resolution and contact/communication from a manager.
*****
7/30/25 Update:
Goettl assistant install supervisor Nacho and his crew (Manny & Julio) assessed the entire system again today. They were polite and professional and made sure all our concerns were heard and addressed. It is believed the issue has been identified and fixed. Thanks Goettl for making the situation right!
7/22/25 Update:
Issues continue. Techs to arrive again today. Updated review to follow pending outcome.
7/2025 Update:
Goettl service technicians have returned to assist with some issues. Both Ian P. and Will M. we're both very professional it was believed issues were resolved. Dispatcher Betty was also able to hear my issues and arrange for a tech to arrive as quickly as possible.
*****
Initial review 2/2025:
Jorge "George" was respectful and easy to communicate with. He listened and answered all our questions. Informed us of what and how Goettl could do with the 20+yr old system in our home, and gave us time and space make the best decision for us. So far very pleased with Goettl's professional conduct and standards.
Thanks you
What stood out the most was their attention to detail and genuine care for customer satisfaction. They took the time to assess my system thoroughly, offered honest recommendations, and completed the work efficiently without cutting corners. My home is now noticeably more comfortable, and I feel confident knowing everything was handled by true professionals.
If you’re looking for reliable, top-quality HVAC service, I highly recommend Goettl. They truly live up to their reputation and exceeded my expectations in every way.
Roger came for my rejuvenation appointment. He was very curtious and knowledgeable. I was happy he showed up prompt with great respect to my AC unit and property. I relaly appreciate him and his attention to detail. I would highly recommend him for any of your AC needs.
Jesus Gloria AC service review. He did a great job today and I would highly recommend him for any AC service needs. He was very knowledgeable and courteous. He helped add a surge protector on my outside unit for added protection. I look forward to working with him in the future.
Well, I had some plumbing issues at my residence, and I called "Goettl Plumbing." Great results, too 🤗.
My water wouldn't stay hot, and after contacting Justin at Goettl Plumbing, he sent out Frank, a service technician with over 20 years of plumbing experience. Frank spent a good bit of time studying/ evaluating my plumbing functions, consulted with an on-site Goettl supervisor, and determined my plumbing issues.
After they conferred those issues with Justin, a plan for resolution and payment was determined, and work started the next day.
Greg arrived that morning; accessed the work areas, determined the tools and equipment he needed, and got right to work.
By the end of the day, Greg had installed three (3) Replacement Single Handle Tub/Shower Valves, a Pressure reducing valve, and a Thermal expansion tank with vacuum breaker - - RESULTS: Hot Water 💧
In two days, I witnessed Super Communication, Super Teamwork, and some old-time "1990-1991" Professionalism ... thanks,
"GOETTL Air Conditioning & Plumbing" for A Job Well Done 👏🏼
After note. Cameron came back by a day later to check on readings he wasn't able to get on first appointment. I have high confidence in his work. I'm very likely to work with them again
Brayan and Marcos did an awesome job on the new ac installation. Installed with no issues and has been on ever since. Perfect time with summer coming up. Walked through and job was very clean and organized. Great work ethic. Great guys.
Update - our air conditioner went out today (10/26/23) and JEHAD showed up to repair the issue but the issue was bigger than expected. Tomorrow we will have a brand new system! Goettl is an EPIC firm that treats customers right. Thank you again JEHAD for going above and beyond.
Goettl is the epitome of what excellent customer service is! Our Drain King, DAREAN, addressed all of our questions and concerns and not only unclogged our drain but went above and beyond to show us our drains leading to the street were free and clear of any other issues. Thank you Darean and thank you Goettl for a great experience!
Update: great experience with Edgar Loredo who kept it real with us and was very transparent. I appreciate his honesty and recommendations. Will be requesting him as our technician in the future if we choose to use Goettl
2/15/23
Thank you, Jorge G. Again for being so honest about our unit issues.
Kathy
H. Navarro
Frank Soto, plumber was very thorough in his assessment of the problem. Provided options and was patient in waiting for our decision. We are very pleased with Frank's knowledge plus his warm personality was a plus. Thank you Frank.
H. Navarro
Jeremy Ortega service tech did an excellent job removing, cleaning and reinstalling the flame sensors along with servicing the HVAC blowers. We are set for the next 2 years. Thanks again Jeremy.
H. Navarro
Thank you!
09/19/2024 - Husam Ismail did an outstanding job!!! Very personable and honest, so far with my experience with
Goettl he is the best technician that i have encountered.
02/11/2024 - Josh L. did a fabulous job!!! He was very personable and fast. Great experience, I would recommend Goettl to anyone.
Today is 21 July Sam stopped by and service was excellent 👌. Ralph was excellent, great customer service
Thank you goettl