How to Fix a Frozen Air Conditioner
Summer’s coming (we promise) and here’s an often cited scenario with the average homeowner: They’re sitting in their house, minding their own business, having a bowl of popcorn and watching a movie, when suddenly he/she hears terrible sound; drip… drip… drip. They look over to see the dog licking at a puddle that’s gradually forming on the dining room floor. Suddenly: Concern, stress, and that ”oh brother!” feeling. Where did the leak come from?; water heater, leaky toilet, shower, faucet? Not necessarily – the air conditioning equipment may be frozen. This can strike anywhere, from the U.S. to Timbuktu, regardless of weather.
Why Air Conditioners Freeze
The evaporator coil is the component of a central A/C unit that actually freezes. This component of the air conditioner transfers (evaporates) heat from the inside to the outside of your the U.S. area home. The two main reasons why the evaporator coil may freeze:
- The restriction of the system’s airflow
- Lack of sufficient refrigerant
Either way, the result is that the air conditioner’s evaporator coil will be unable to properly transfer heat, and consequently ‘overcools’ itself. The result of this super-cooling is condensation (that’s water formation), and finally ice forms from that condensation as it cools below the freezing point. In other words, the A/C transformed into an old-school icebox.
What Should You Do When Your A/C Freezes?
- Turn the system completely off at the thermostat, and don’t try to thaw the system by increasing the temperature at the thermostat. Just make sure the A/C system is completely OFF.
- Confirm that there is nothing restricting the airflow to the system. Replace the furnace or air handler’s filter along with any return air filters. Open all the registers completely and confirm that they are not impeded by furniture or drapery.
- Call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. The air conditioning system needs to be serviced by a professional that is ACE-certified to ensure there are no refrigerant leaks or damage to the equipment. Simply schedule a Performance Inspection or Repair Diagnostic online, or call to talk to a live person right away.
What Does it Cost to Repair?
This can become a pricey repair. When your air conditioner ices over it can lead to damage to the compressor. Replacing your compressor could cost as much as a downpayment on a brand new air conditioner. Unfortunately, many people are forced to choose between installing a new system or repairing the damaged one. If you move fast, follow the instructions, and call a ACE-certified technician, you stand a better chance of getting a less expensive emergency.
Your technician will quickly analyze the problem and how to avoid the issue from repeating in the future. If a leak was really the cause (and that is rare, but possible), the leak has to be repaired or the unit will likely freeze again.
