What is a common symptom of freezing in an A/C system?

A common symptom of freezing in an A/C system is reduced cooling efficiency. When freezing occurs, typically on the evaporator coils, the heat exchange process is compromised. Ice accumulation obstructs airflow across the coils, preventing the refrigerant from absorbing heat effectively from the indoor air. This leads to a drop in the system's ability to cool the space because the evaporator cannot perform its function of turning the refrigerant from liquid to gas and absorbing heat effectively.

In a properly functioning A/C system, the cooled air circulates freely. However, when ice interferes, it results in less cool air entering the environment. The decreased air circulation may also cause other parts of the system to work harder, potentially leading to further increases in energy consumption and additional strain on the system.

Other symptoms, such as increased airflow or high temperature readings, do not accurately indicate freezing in an A/C system. Increased airflow can sometimes occur if ice melts and is unable to circulate properly through the vents. Additionally, high temperature readings might be misleading if the thermostat is mistakenly reading temperatures after cycling, rather than indicating system performance relative to ice formation. Noise from the compressor could imply operational issues, but it does not specifically identify freezing as a cause. Therefore, reduced cooling efficiency serves as