How to Fix a Frozen Air Conditioner
Summer’s coming (as hard as it is to believe right now) and here’s an often cited scenario with the average homeowner: They’re relaxing in their living room, minding their own business, having a bowl of popcorn and watching their favorite TV show, when they notice that awful sound; drip… drip… drip. They look over to see the household pet licking at a puddle that’s steadily forming on the kitchen floor. In a flash: Worry, stress, and that sinking feeling. What caused the leak?; water heater, leaky toilet, shower, faucet? No – the air conditioning equipment may be frozen. This can happen anywhere, from Fort Lauderdale to Africa, regardless of summer heat.
Why Air Conditioners Freeze
When a central air conditioner freezes up, what actually freezes is the condenser unit’s evaporator coil. This component of the air conditioner transfers (evaporates) heat from the inside to the outside of your Fort Lauderdale area home. Usually there are two factors why the evaporator coil may freeze:
- Restricted air flow
- Low refrigerant
Either way, the outcome is that the air conditioner’s evaporator coil cannot operate to properly transfer heat, and consequently ‘overcools’ itself. The result of this super-cooling is condensation (that’s water formation), and eventually ice forms from that condensation as it cools below the freezing point. In short, the A/C has morphed into an old-school icebox.
What Can You Do When Your A/C Freezes?
- Turn the unit completely off at the thermostat, and do not just move up the temperature on the thermostat. It is important that 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 and replace any return air filters. Open all the registers completely and ensure that they are not obstructed by furniture or drapes.
- Call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. 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 an expensive repair. When your air conditioner freezes over it can lead to damage to the compressor. Replacing your compressor can cost as much as a downpayment on a new system. Unfortunately, many homeowners are forced to pick between installing a new system and repairing the damaged unit. If you follow the steps above and quickly call a ACE-certified technician, you stand a better chance of having a less expensive job.
Your technician will diagnose the situation and how to avoid the issue from repeating in the future. If a leak exists (and that is rare, but possible), the leak has to be repaired or the unit will probably freeze again.
