Summer’s coming (believe it or not) and here's an all-to-familiar 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 dreadful sound; drip... drip... drip. They look over to see the cat licking at a puddle that's steadily forming on the kitchen floor. Suddenly: Worry, stress, and that sinking feeling. How did the leak start?; water heater, leaky toilet, shower, faucet? Not necessarily – it's the air conditioner of all things. This can happen anywhere, from Voorhees to Africa, regardless of weather.
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 Voorhees area home. The two main reasons why the evaporator coil may freeze:
- Airflow restriction
- Insufficient refrigerant
Either way, the ending effect is that the air conditioner's evaporator coil will be unable to properly transfer heat, and in effect 'overcools' itself. The result of this super-cooling is condensation (that's water formation), and finally ice forms from that condensation as it cools below the freezing point. Yep, the A/C just turned into an old-school icebox.
What Can You Do When Your A/C Freezes?
- Turn the A/C completely off at the thermostat, and do not just move up the temperature on the thermostat. Ensure 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 drapery.
- Call Atmostemp 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 turn into a pricey repair. When your air conditioner ices over it can lead to a totaled compressor. Replacing your compressor can cost as much as a downpayment on a new system. Unfortunately, many people are forced to choose between installing a new system vs repairing the old model. If you act quickly and call a ACE-certified technician, you have better odds of getting a less expensive job.
Your technician will diagnose the situation and how to avoid the issue from occurring in the future. If a leak is present (and that is rare, but possible), the leak has to be repaired or the unit will likely freeze again.