
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
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
Explain testing and clarified cost.
I was impressed.
Brayan, Jason, and Christian were the three techs who installed the unit and new ducts. They showed excellent work ethic. They cleaned up all debris, and most importantly, the system works perfectly. Today Ignacio came and inspected the work, and found no problems at all. The entire team has earned 5 stars.
November 6, 2024. The team Brayan, Christian and Jason worked awesome in replacing our whole A/C system and air ducts. They were respectful of our property, answered our questions without hesitation. They all did a fantastic job. We thank ya'll for your services and definitely recommend your business. We appreciate you.
November 7, 2024: Ignacio inspected the newly installed air condition and duct system. He was very knowledgeable, and good expertise. He listened and answered our questions and concerns..he helped us to install our Sensi a/c and heater app..
Fe Alexander
Leticia and Ed Baca
We had an blockage in our sewer line.
Tyler Leija was dispatched the same day, and found the blockage using a camera tool.
He cleared the blockage temporarily.
The actual fix would require digging up and replacing the bad area of pipe.
Paulo "Adrian" Dado and his crew came out the next day with backhoe, dug up the area, and replaced the section of pipe.
The next day, after inspection, Adrian and his crew filled in the hole and then cleaned up the area.
This is a brief description. There was A LOT of work involved.
Very professional work.
Our tech Jorge that came out the day before helped quickly assess the situation and get us set up for a new system and water heater. Jorge was very friendly, would highly recommend!
Frank did an excellent job at explaining every thing in terms that were understandable to both myself and my wife. This greatly assisted in making the right decision to look at all options on either repair or update/purchase for the future and in the long term, saving money.
Will definitely call and use
Goettle again and I will ask if Darrean could help again.
Couldn’t be happier. Came all the options