How to Fix a Frozen Air Conditioner
Summer’s coming (as hard as it is to believe right now) and here’s a common scenario with the average homeowner: They’re at home, minding their own business, happily indulging a bowl of popcorn and watching Netflix, when suddenly he/she hears terrible sound; drip… drip… drip. They glance over to see the cat licking at a puddle that’s gradually 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 air conditioning equipment may be frozen. This can happen anywhere, from Windsor to Timbuktu, regardless of summer heat.
Why Air Conditioners Freeze
The part of the air conditioner that actually freezes is known as the evaporator coil. This component of the air conditioner transfers (evaporates) heat from the inside to the outside of your Windsor area home. The two main reasons why the evaporator coil may freeze:
- Airflow restriction
- Low refrigerant
Either way, the outcome is that the air conditioner’s evaporator coil will be unable to properly transfer heat, and in effect ‘overcools’ itself. The net effect 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 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 increase the thermostat temperature as a way to melt the frost on the coils. 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 along with any return air filters. Open all the registers completely and confirm that they are not obstructed by furniture or drapery.
- Call Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts. The air conditioning system needs to be inspected by an ACE-certified professional 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 turn into an expensive repair. When your air conditioner ices over it can lead to a compressor replacement. Replacing your compressor can cost as much as a downpayment on a brand new air conditioner. Unfortunately, many homeowners are forced to decide between installing a new system vs repairing the damaged model. If you act quickly and call a certified technician, you stand a better chance of getting a less expensive repair.
Your technician will quickly analyze the problem 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 most likely freeze again.