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 at home, minding their own business, happily indulging a bowl of popcorn and watching their favorite TV show, when they notice that dreadful sound; drip… drip… drip. They turn their head to see the household pet licking at a puddle that’s gradually forming on the dining room floor. Just like that, the mood changes: Anxiety, stress, and that “how much will this cost?” feeling. What caused the leak?; water heater, leaky toilet, shower, faucet? Nope – it’s the air conditioner of all things. This can happen anywhere, from the U.S. 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 the U.S. area home. The two main reasons why the evaporator coil may freeze:

1. 1. The restriction of the system’s airflow

2. 2. Insufficient refrigerant

Either way, the result is that the air conditioner’s evaporator coil will be unable to properly disperse the heat, and in effect ‘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 transformed into an old-school icebox.

What Should You Do When Your A/C Freezes?

• • Turn the A/C completely off at the thermostat, and don’t try to thaw the system by increasing the temperature at 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 blocked by furniture or drapes.

• • 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 lead to a costly 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. In fact, many people are forced to decide between installing a new system and repairing the damaged one. If you move fast, follow the instructions, and call a ACE-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 occurring in the future. If a leak exists (and that is rare, but possible), the leak has to be repaired or the unit will likely freeze again.