What happens to system efficiency when there is ice buildup on coils?

When ice builds up on coils in a refrigeration system, it acts as an insulating layer that prevents effective heat exchange. The coils are designed to absorb heat from the surrounding air or refrigerant, but when covered in ice, their surface area for heat exchange is significantly reduced. This leads to a decrease in the ability of the system to remove heat, resulting in lower overall efficiency. As the system struggles to reach the desired temperature, it may require more energy to operate, further compounding the efficiency loss. Therefore, ice buildup directly impacts the system's ability to function optimally, leading to a reduction in efficiency.