How to Fix a Frozen Air Conditioner
Summer’s coming (as hard as it is to believe right now) and here’s a typical scenario with the average homeowner: They’re at home, minding their own business, happily indulging a bowl of popcorn and watching a movie, when suddenly he/she hears awful sound; drip… drip… drip. They look over to see the cat licking at a puddle that’s slowly forming on the kitchen floor. Just like that, the mood changes: Worry, stress, and that “how much will this cost?” feeling. Where did the leak come from?; water heater, leaky toilet, shower, faucet? Nope – the central air conditioner is frozen solid. This can occur anywhere, from Fort Lauderdale to Thailand, 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 Fort Lauderdale area home. There are two primary reasons the evaporator coil may freeze:
- The restriction of the system’s airflow
- Low refrigerant
Either way, the outcome is that the air conditioner’s evaporator coil does not properly disperse the heat, and consequently ‘overcools’ itself. The impact 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 transformed into an old-school icebox.
What Might 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. Ensure the A/C system is completely OFF.
- Do what you can to ensure airflow is not restricted. 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 blocked 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 lead to an expensive repair. When your AC freezes over it can lead to a compressor replacement. Replacing your compressor could easily cost as much as a downpayment on a new system. Unfortunately, many homeowners are forced to pick between installing a new system or repairing the damaged unit. If you move fast, follow the instructions, and call a ACE-certified technician, you have better odds of having a less expensive repair.
Your technician will advise you of the exact cause and how to avoid the issue from happening again. If a leak exists (and that is rare, but possible), the leak has to be repaired or the unit will most likely freeze again.
