How to Fix a Frozen Air Conditioner

Summer’s coming (we promise) and here's a typical 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 suddenly he/she hears terrible sound; drip... drip... drip. They glance over to see the cat licking at a puddle that's slowly forming on the kitchen floor. In a flash: Worry, stress, and that “how much will this cost?” feeling. How did the leak start?; water heater, leaky toilet, shower, faucet? No – it's the air conditioner of all things. This can occur anywhere, from Ocala to Thailand, regardless of weather.

Why Air Conditioners Freeze

When a central air conditioner freezes up, what actually freezes is the condenser unit's evaporator coil. This component of the air conditioner transfers (evaporates) heat from the inside to the outside of your Ocala area home. There are two primary reasons the evaporator coil may freeze:

1. The restriction of the system’s airflow
2. Low refrigerant

Either way, the ending effect is that the air conditioner's evaporator coil does not properly transfer heat, and in essence 'overcools' itself. The result 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. In short, the A/C has morphed into an old-school icebox.

What Should You Do When Your A/C Freezes?

1. Turn the unit completely off at the thermostat, and do not just move up the temperature on the thermostat. It is important that the A/C system is completely OFF.
2. Check to ensure that the airflow around your system is unrestricted. Replace the furnace or air handler's filter along with any return air filters. Open all the registers completely and ensure that they are not impeded by furniture or curtains.
3. Call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. 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 a costly repair. When your AC freezes over it can lead to a totaled compressor. Replacing your compressor could cost as much as a downpayment on a new system. In fact, many homeowners are forced to decide between installing a new system or repairing the damaged one. If you act quickly and call a ACE-certified technician, you have better odds of getting a less expensive job.