Why Is There Ice on My AC in Florence, SC?
Spotting ice on your air conditioner in the middle of a hot summer in Florence, SC, can feel a little odd—but it’s actually more common than you might expect. While it might seem like your system is just working overtime to keep things cool, a frozen AC system is usually a red flag that something’s off. Here’s a closer look at why it happens and what you can do to fix—and prevent—it.
Why Your AC Might Be Freezing Up
Ice on your AC system is almost always a sign of an underlying issue. One of the biggest culprits? Low refrigerant. When the refrigerant level dips too low, it drops the system’s pressure, which can cause the evaporator coil to get too cold—and that’s when ice starts to form.
Another common cause is a dirty or clogged air filter. When airflow is blocked, there’s not enough warm air moving over the evaporator coil, and that can trigger freezing too. Sometimes it’s even down to how your thermostat is set—running the AC non-stop or setting the temperature too low can put extra stress on the system and lead to ice buildup.
How Florence’s Humid Climate Plays a Role
Living in Florence means dealing with high humidity, especially in the summer. All that moisture in the air leads to more condensation on your AC coils, which is a problem if the system is already overworked. That condensation can quickly freeze, making things worse.
If your AC system isn’t properly sized for your home or isn’t running efficiently, it might also struggle to control indoor humidity. That not only affects comfort but also makes freeze-ups more likely. So tackling both performance and humidity control is key.
What to Do (and What Not to Do)
If you see ice on your AC, the first thing to do is switch the system off and give it time to thaw. Running it while frozen can do serious damage and make the situation worse. After it’s thawed, check your air filter—if it’s dirty, go ahead and replace it.
One thing you shouldn’t do: mess with the refrigerant. Those lines are sealed and need to be handled by a licensed technician. Trying to fix it yourself can be dangerous and lead to bigger problems. It’s best to call in an HVAC professional to pinpoint the cause and get your system back on track.
How to Prevent It from Happening Again
Regular maintenance is your best defense against a frozen AC. Having your system checked seasonally makes sure everything—from the coils to the refrigerant—is in good shape and running as it should.
During peak usage, swap out air filters monthly and keep vents clear of obstructions. A smart thermostat can also help by keeping your home at a steady, comfortable temperature without overworking the system—especially on humid days.
Get Back to Comfort with Help from Local Experts
A frozen AC system isn’t just a nuisance—it can drive up your energy bills, damage your system, and leave you sweating it out on the hottest days. If your air conditioner is icing over, don’t wait for it to break down. Schedule air conditioning repair with the trusted team at Air Solutions Heating and Cooling. We’ll help get your system running smoothly again—and keep it that way all summer long.</pa.