How to Fix a Frozen Air Conditioner
Summer’s coming (as hard as it is to believe right now) and here’s a common scenario with the average homeowner: They’re relaxing in their living room, minding their own business, enjoying a bowl of popcorn and watching a movie, when suddenly he/she hears awful sound; drip… drip… drip. They turn their head to see the cat licking at a puddle that’s slowly forming on the dining room floor. In a flash: Concern, stress, and that sinking feeling. What caused the leak?; water heater, leaky toilet, shower, faucet? No – it’s the air conditioner of all things. This can strike anywhere, from Edmonton to Timbuktu, regardless of climate.
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 Edmonton area home. Usually there are two factors why the evaporator coil may freeze:
- Restricted air flow
- 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 effect ‘overcools’ itself. The result of this super-cooling is condensation (that’s water formation), and eventually ice forms from that condensation as it cools below the freezing point. In other words, the A/C just turned into an old-school icebox.
What Might You Do When Your A/C Freezes?
- 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. Ensure the A/C system is completely OFF.
- Do what you can to ensure airflow is not restricted. 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.
- Call Rob's Albertan Service Experts. 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 lead to a costly repair. When your unit ices over it can lead to a compressor replacement. Replacing your compressor could easily cost as much as a downpayment on a new system. Unfortunately, many homeowners are forced to pick between installing a new system and repairing the old one. If you act quickly and call a certified technician, you have better odds of getting a less expensive job.
Your technician will quickly analyze the problem and how to avoid the issue from happening again. If a leak is present (and that is rare, but possible), the leak has to be repaired or the unit will probably freeze again.
