How to Fix a Frozen Air Conditioner

Summer’s coming (believe it or not) and here's a typical scenario with the average homeowner: They’re at home, minding their own business, having a bowl of popcorn and watching Netflix, when they notice that dreadful sound; drip... drip... drip. They glance over to see the dog licking at a puddle that's gradually forming on the dining room floor. In a flash: Anxiety, stress, and that ”oh brother!” feeling. What caused the leak?; water heater, leaky toilet, shower, faucet? Nope – the air conditioning equipment may be frozen. This can happen anywhere, from Tempe to Thailand, regardless of climate.

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 Tempe area home. There are two primary reasons the evaporator coil may freeze:

1. Restricted air flow
2. Low refrigerant

Either way, the outcome is that the air conditioner's evaporator coil cannot operate to properly transfer heat, and in effect 'overcools' itself. The impact 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 just turned into an old-school icebox.

What Can 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. Ensure 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 verify that they are not blocked by furniture or drapes.
3. Call Orangutan Home Services. 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 become a pricey repair. When your unit freezes over it can lead to a totaled compressor. Replacing your compressor could easily cost as much as a downpayment on a brand new air conditioner. In fact, many homeowners are forced to decide between installing a new system or repairing the old model. If you act quickly and call a ACE-certified technician, you stand a better chance of getting a less expensive repair.