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, having a bowl of popcorn and watching a movie, when suddenly he/she hears terrible sound; drip... drip... drip. They turn their head to see the household pet licking at a puddle that's slowly forming on the bathroom floor. Suddenly: Concern, stress, and that ”oh brother!” feeling. What caused the leak?; water heater, leaky toilet, shower, faucet? Nope – it's the air conditioner of all things. This can occur anywhere, from Melbourne to Thailand, 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 Melbourne area home. Usually there are two factors why the evaporator coil may freeze:

1. Restricted air flow
2. Lack of sufficient refrigerant

Either way, the outcome is that the air conditioner's evaporator coil will be unable 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 other words, the A/C transformed into an old-school icebox.

What Might You Do When Your A/C Freezes?

1. Turn the system 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.
2. 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 verify that they are not obstructed by furniture or curtains.
3. Call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. 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 an expensive repair. When your air conditioner freezes over it can lead to a totaled compressor. Replacing your compressor could easily cost as much as a downpayment on a new system. Actually, many homeowners are forced to decide between installing a new system vs repairing the old unit. If you move fast, follow the instructions, and call a ACE-certified technician, you have better odds of having a less expensive repair.