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 relaxing in their living room, minding their own business, enjoying a bowl of popcorn and watching Netflix, when they notice that terrible sound; drip… drip… drip. They glance over to see the cat licking at a puddle that’s slowly forming on the dining room floor. Suddenly: Concern, stress, and that sinking feeling. What caused the leak?; water heater, leaky toilet, shower, faucet? No – the central air conditioner is frozen solid. This can strike anywhere, from Calgary to Timbuktu, regardless of summer heat.
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 Calgary area home. The two main reasons why the evaporator coil may freeze:
- Airflow restriction
- Insufficient refrigerant
Either way, the result is that the air conditioner’s evaporator coil does not properly disperse the 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. Yep, the A/C has morphed into an old-school icebox.
What Might You Do When Your A/C Freezes?
- 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.
- Check to ensure that the airflow around your system is unrestricted. Replace the furnace or air handler’s filter as well as any return air filters. Open all the registers completely and ensure that they are not obstructed by furniture or drapes.
- Call A1 Chesney Service Experts. 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 an expensive repair. When your air conditioner freezes over it can lead to a compressor replacement. Replacing your compressor could easily cost as much as a downpayment on a brand new air conditioner. In fact, many people are forced to pick between installing a new system vs repairing the damaged model. If you move fast, follow the instructions, and call a certified technician, you stand a better chance of getting a less expensive job.
Your technician will diagnose the situation and how to avoid the issue from happening again. If a leak was really the cause (and that is rare, but possible), the leak has to be repaired or the unit will likely freeze again.
