Ice on Your Aircon Coil? Here’s What’s Going On

If you notice ice on the indoor unit — or frozen pipes around the fan coil — your system isn’t overcooling. It’s failing. And if it’s left running this way, it can damage your compressor, reduce cooling performance, and eventually stop working altogether.

Why Is Ice Building Up on the Fan Coil?

1. Airflow is restricted

Dirty filters or blocked vents slow down air circulation. That lets the evaporator coil drop below freezing, which causes condensation to freeze.

2. Refrigerant is low

Not enough gas means not enough heat is absorbed. That imbalance allows the coil to overcool and freeze — often a sign of a leak.

3. Evaporator coil is dirty

Dust insulates the coil. It can’t absorb heat properly, which again causes temperatures to dip too low — leading to ice formation.

4. Blower fan is faulty

If the fan isn’t pushing enough air across the coil, cold stays trapped in the unit — triggering ice even if your gas level is fine.

5. Thermostat set too low

Setting the system to 16–18°C in normal conditions can push the coil below freezing — especially overnight or with low airflow.

6. Refrigerant flow imbalance

If the expansion valve or metering device isn’t working properly, it can overfeed or underfeed gas — disrupting the cooling cycle.

What You Can Check First

• Is the filter clean?

• Are vents open and unblocked?

• Ice forming inside, outside — or both?

• Do you hear the fan running?

Do not try to scrape off the ice. Shut down the unit and let it thaw. Then book a proper inspection.

Why It Matters

Ice is a symptom. If ignored:

• Gas pressure may drop further

• Compressor may be damaged from strain

• System lifespan shortens

• Cooling performance crashes completely

The longer it runs with ice, the more damage it does — even if it “still works.”

When to Book a Diagnostic

✅ Ice visible on pipes, coil, or fan area

✅ Cooling feels weak or uneven

✅ Ice returns even after thawing

✅ Fan sounds abnormal or airflow is low

We’ll trace the root cause — not just melt the problem away.