How to Fix a Frozen Air Conditioner

Summer’s coming (we promise) and here's an often cited scenario with the average homeowner: They’re relaxing in their living room, minding their own business, happily indulging a bowl of popcorn and watching their favorite TV show, when all of a sudden – that distant awful sound; drip... drip... drip. They glance over to see the household pet licking at a puddle that's steadily forming on the dining room floor. Just like that, the mood changes: Concern, stress, and that “how much will this cost?” feeling. Where did the leak come from?; water heater, leaky toilet, shower, faucet? Nope – the air conditioning equipment may be frozen. This can strike anywhere, from Gainesville 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 Gainesville area home. The two main reasons why the evaporator coil may freeze:

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

Either way, the result is that the air conditioner's evaporator coil will be unable to properly dissipate heat, and consequently '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. Yep, the A/C transformed into an old-school icebox.

What Can You Do When Your A/C Freezes?

1. Turn the system completely off at the thermostat, and do not just move up the temperature on the thermostat. Just make sure the A/C system is completely OFF.
2. Do what you can to ensure airflow is not restricted. Replace the furnace or air handler's filter as well as any return air filters. Open all the registers completely and verify that they are not blocked 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 become an expensive repair. When your AC ices over it can lead to a totaled compressor. Replacing your compressor can cost as much as a downpayment on a brand new air conditioner. Actually, many homeowners are forced to pick between installing a new system vs repairing the damaged unit. If you move fast, follow the instructions, and call a ACE-certified technician, you stand a better chance of getting a less expensive repair.