It’s not uncommon to have ice on your unit, but it’s a sign of a problem. Ice forms when the airflow is compromised in some way. If you find ice, unplug the unit and allow the ice to thaw. While waiting, check the areas where air flows, such as the fan on the outside of the home, and the intake vent inside the home. These should be clean, and there should be nothing blocking the flow of air. Turn the unit on, but if ice forms again, give us a call.

Most units do not require covers, but in areas with heavy snowfall like ours, you may want to cover the top of the unit so extensive snow and water doesn’t get into it. A full cover, however, could act as a shelter for small animals, who can damage your HVAC system. Your technician should tell you the exact recommendations for your particular unit.

There are a variety of reasons for this. On a really hot day, your system may simply not be able to cool your home down as low as you want it to go, particularly if you’re not combining A/C use with other cooling techniques like ceiling fans and curtains on the windows. This problem also occurs when the A/C unit is not big enough for the home. It can also happen with the air filter or other components are dirty. If this is a consistent problem – even on days that are not part of an unusual heat wave – call a technician to check that everything is working properly.

When the A/C runs, water from the air in the home condenses from the cold. This water typically trips into the condensing pan, then runs through a tube for proper disposal outside. If the water you’re seeing is unusual, there may be a clog in the tube. That should be repaired for proper functioning.