why does ice form in my ac ?

Answer 1

You might have a very efficient AC unit operating at a very low temperature setting in high humidity.

I have a timeshare in Hawaii with a gym. In the gym is a window air conditioner with a sign on it that says "Do not adjust to below 72 degrees to prevent icing".

Try turning the temperature setting up a coupla-few degrees and see if this solves the problem.

Answer 2

Many things can cause icing. First and most commonly is a an air flow restriction.

If your filter is dirty that will restrict air flow. Another common cause is if you are using a high efficiency pleated filter it may be working too well not letting enough air flow through. Try replacing it with a standard fiberglass filter.

If the outside temperature is too low the system will remove too much heat and the evaporator coil can ice up. This is especially true with systems that done use a TXV to meter the refrigerant entering the evaporator.

It is best not to use your system if it is lower than 70 outside.

Icing can also be caused by the evaporator coil being starved of refrigerant. This can happen because your metering device has failed or you could have a refrigerant leak.

If replacing the filter and cleaning the coil does not resolve the problem you will need to hire an HVAC tech to troubleshoot.

Answer 3

the evaporator more likely needs a good cleaning.
mean green is a good cheap cleaner.
spray it on the coils and rinse it good. repeat and use a stiff bristle brush.If it was mine I would take it out back and wash it down good being sure not to get the fan motor or the controls wet.This cost nothing but time and effort on your part and sometimes makes a world of difference.
on a central unit where removal of the inside unit is not possible,you can use a product called foaming coil cleaner self rinsing. just turn off the unit,spray the foam onto the a-coil and wait 10 minutes. then turn the unit back on. the foam will go down the pan and drain out. this will help open the drain line also.

Answer 4

Ice can also form because the coils or filter aren't clean enough, or because the temperature outside has fallen below 60F. If it does happen to be a refrigerant problem, you will need a service technician to fix and refill it. Refrigerant gas is regulated by the EPA in the U.S of A.

Answer 5

ice usually forms if you have a freon leak. Turn off air and call a technition to come check it out

Answer 6

Usually ice forms due to a freon leak or low freon in the system.