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 sitting in their house, minding their own business, happily indulging a bowl of popcorn and watching a movie, when they notice that dreadful sound; drip… drip… drip. They glance over to see the dog licking at a puddle that’s slowly forming on the bathroom floor. Suddenly: Anxiety, stress, and that “how much will this cost?” feeling. How did the leak start?; water heater, leaky toilet, shower, faucet? Nope – the air conditioning equipment may be frozen. This can happen anywhere, from Edmonton to Africa, regardless of summer heat.
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 Edmonton 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 outcome is that the air conditioner’s evaporator coil cannot operate to properly transfer heat, and consequently ‘overcools’ itself. The impact of this super-cooling is condensation (that’s water formation), and over time ice forms from that condensation as it cools below the freezing point. Yep, the A/C just turned into an old-school icebox.
What Should You Do When Your A/C Freezes?
- Turn the unit 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.
- Do what you can to ensure airflow is not restricted. 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 drapery.
- Call McKinley Heating Service Experts. 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 a costly repair. When your unit ices over it can lead to a totaled compressor. Replacing your compressor could cost as much as a downpayment on a high efficiency model. In fact, many people are forced to decide between installing a new system and repairing the damaged unit. If you follow the steps above and quickly call a certified technician, you stand a better chance of having a less expensive emergency.
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.
