What effect does ice formation on the evaporator coil indicate?

Ice formation on the evaporator coil typically indicates that there may be a refrigerant leak. When the refrigerant level in the system is low, it reduces the pressure within the evaporator coil. This lowered pressure means that the refrigerant cannot absorb heat effectively, leading to a drop in temperature on the coil. As the temperature decreases, moisture from the air can freeze on the coil, resulting in ice buildup.

In a properly functioning system, the evaporator coil should remain cool but not allow for ice to form. If the system is running efficiently and functioning normally, it should be able to transport heat effectively without causing condensation to freeze. Therefore, the presence of ice is a red flag that requires further investigation, often pointing engineers and technicians toward potential issues such as refrigerant leaks or airflow problems.