How to Fix a Frozen Air Conditioner

Summer’s coming (as hard as it is to believe right now) and here's an often cited scenario with the average homeowner: They’re sitting in their house, minding their own business, having a bowl of popcorn and watching Netflix, when all of a sudden – that distant awful sound; drip... drip... drip. They glance over to see the dog licking at a puddle that's gradually forming on the bathroom floor. In a flash: Worry, stress, and that sinking feeling. Where did the leak come from?; water heater, leaky toilet, shower, faucet? No – the air conditioning equipment may be frozen. This can strike anywhere, from North America to Timbuktu, regardless of climate.

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 North America area home. The two main reasons why the evaporator coil may freeze:

1. Restricted air flow
2. Lack of sufficient 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 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. Yep, the A/C transformed into an old-school icebox.

What Should You Do When Your A/C Freezes?

1. Turn the unit completely off at the thermostat, and don’t try to thaw the system by increasing the temperature at the thermostat. Ensure the A/C system is completely OFF.
2. Confirm that there is nothing restricting the airflow to the system. 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 curtains.
3. Call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. The air conditioning system needs to be professionally inspected 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 AC freezes over it can lead to a totaled compressor. 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 or repairing the old model. If you move fast, follow the instructions, and call a ACE-certified technician, you stand a better chance of having a less expensive emergency.