How to Fix a Frozen Air Conditioner 

Summer’s coming (believe it or not) and here’s a common scenario with the average homeowner: They’re sitting in their house, minding their own business, having a bowl of popcorn and watching a movie, when they notice that terrible sound; drip… drip… drip. They glance over to see the cat licking at a puddle that’s steadily forming on the bathroom floor. Just like that, the mood changes: Concern, stress, and that “how much will this cost?” feeling. What caused the leak?; water heater, leaky toilet, shower, faucet? Nope – the air conditioning equipment may be frozen. This can strike anywhere, from the U.S. to Timbuktu, regardless of climate.

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 the U.S. area home. There are two primary reasons the evaporator coil may freeze:

1. 1. Airflow restriction

2. 2. Lack of sufficient refrigerant

Either way, the outcome is that the air conditioner’s evaporator coil cannot operate to properly dissipate heat, and in essence ‘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. 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. It is important that 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 confirm that they are not blocked by furniture or curtains.

• • 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 become a pricey repair. When your AC freezes over it can lead to damage to the compressor. Replacing your compressor could easily cost as much as a downpayment on a brand new air conditioner. Unfortunately, many homeowners are forced to pick between installing a new system and repairing the damaged unit. If you move fast, follow the instructions, and call a ACE-certified technician, you have better odds of getting a less expensive emergency.

Your technician will quickly analyze the problem and how to avoid the issue from repeating in the future. If a leak is present (and that is rare, but possible), the leak has to be repaired or the unit will most likely freeze again.