When you have ice on your air conditioner, and the air coming from your unit is warm, it’s a clear sign of a problem—possibly from overuse or poor maintenance in Singapore’s humid environment.
But don’t worry, in this article, we look through 5 of the common causes of ice buildup in your air conditioner, and how you can troubleshoot this problem.
What Causes an Air Conditioner to Ice Up?
Ice buildup inside an AC unit can reduce cooling efficiency, increase energy consumption, and even cause long-term damage if not addressed. Below are the common reasons why your air conditioner may be icing up, along with symptoms to help you identify the issue.
Reason #1: Dirty Air Filter
Dirty air filters account for the cause of the majority of common air conditioner issues, including a frozen AC unit, or ice buildup in the air conditioner. The debris buildup in the filter cakes on a layer of dust that restricts air circulation, thereby effectively trapping the cooled air inside your air conditioner.
You'll notice your air conditioner is blowing warm air instead of cool air, and the AC unit may even overheat when the air filter is dirty. Cleaning the air filter should immediately solve the problem, and get your air conditioner to work properly again.
What are the symptoms?
- Weak or no airflow from the vents
- Warm air blowing instead of cool air
- Ice forming around the vents or on the unit itself
- AC unit overheating or shutting off frequently
In Singapore, where air conditioners run almost daily, air filters can get clogged quickly. Regularly cleaning or replacing the filter can prevent these issues and keep your AC running efficiently.
Reason #2: Dirty Evaporator Coils
When dust and debris layer around the evaporator coil, the refrigerant inside gets insulated, supercooled, and forms a buildup of ice around the evaporator coil using moisture from condensation. This will cause your air conditioner to malfunction and may cause irreversible damage to your evaporator coils as well.
Doing a routine cleaning of the evaporator coil works well to prevent ice buildup, but it is important to schedule a deep and thorough cleaning to ensure the evaporator coil is completely free from dust and debris.
What are the symptoms?
- Weak airflow from the AC unit
- Ice forming on the evaporator coils or refrigerant lines
- Unusual noises, such as hissing or bubbling
- Increased energy consumption without improved cooling
Reason #3: Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant is what cools the air that flows through your air conditioner as it moves through the coils, releasing the heat to the outdoor unit, and cooling the air inside. With low refrigerant levels, your HVAC unit cannot properly function and will release warm air instead of cold.
In Singapore, where air conditioners run frequently, refrigerant leaks can occur over time due to wear and tear. If you suspect a leak, it’s crucial to have a professional inspect and repair the unit, as handling refrigerant requires expertise.
What are the symptoms?
- AC blowing warm air instead of cold
- Hissing or bubbling sounds from the AC unit
- Ice forming on the refrigerant lines or evaporator coils
- Higher electricity bills due to inefficient cooling
Reason #4: Extreme Temperatures
Although Singapore doesn’t experience extreme cold, ice buildup can still occur due to drastic temperature differences between the inside and outside environment. This often happens when an aircon is set too low or if the filter is still damp after cleaning.
What are the symptoms?
- Ice forms soon after turning on the AC
- Unit struggling to cool even when set to a lower temperature
- Water leaking from the AC unit as the ice melts
- Increased condensation around the vents
Reason #5: Humidity
Singapore’s naturally high humidity levels can contribute to ice buildup in air conditioning units. When excess moisture in the air condenses inside the AC, it can freeze on the coils, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage.
What are the symptoms?
- Frost or ice forming on the vents or inside the unit
- Water dripping from the AC as the ice melts
- A musty smell due to excess moisture and potential mold growth
- AC is struggling to cool despite running continuously
How to Fix Aircon Freeze-Up Problems?
If you notice ice buildup on your AC unit, it’s a sign that your air conditioner isn’t functioning properly. Ignoring aircon ice buildup can lead to bigger issues, such as reduced cooling efficiency, increased energy bills, and even long-term damage to your system.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to fix the issue and prevent ice in your air conditioner from becoming a recurring problem.
- Turn Off the Air Conditioner: If you see ice on your air conditioner, the first thing you should do is switch it off. Running an aircon with ice buildup can damage the compressor and other components. Let the ice melt completely before attempting any further troubleshooting.
- Check and Clean the Air Filter: A clogged air filter restricts airflow, causing aircon ice buildup on the evaporator coils. Remove the filter and clean it with water if it’s reusable, or replace it if it’s too dirty.
- Inspect the Evaporator Coils: Clean the evaporator coil to improve airflow and prevent freezing.
- Check for Refrigerant Leaks: Low refrigerant levels can cause ice in your air conditioner, leading to cooling inefficiencies. If you suspect a leak, contact a professional immediately, as handling refrigerant requires expertise.
- Ensure Proper Airflow: Poor airflow can lead to ice buildup on your AC unit. Make sure the vents are open and unblocked, and listen for unusual noises that might indicate a fan malfunction.
- Reduce Humidity Levels: Singapore’s high humidity can lead to excess condensation, which contributes to ice on the air conditioner. Using a dehumidifier or setting your AC to a moderate temperature can help prevent excessive moisture buildup.
Got Aircon Problems?
If your air conditioner keeps freezing up despite these steps, it’s time to call in the experts. At Luce, we’ve helped countless clients in Singapore fix aircon ice buildup issues with professional cleaning, repairs, and maintenance. Don’t let ice buildup on your AC unit disrupt your comfort—contact Luce Aircon today for a fast and reliable solution!
Contact us today to hear about our services and offers!
Also read: frozen evaporator coil!
