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 a movie, when they notice that dreadful sound; drip… drip… drip. They glance over to see the dog licking at a puddle that’s steadily forming on the dining room floor. In a flash: Concern, stress, and that ”oh brother!” feeling. Where did the leak come from?; water heater, leaky toilet, shower, faucet? No – it’s the air conditioner of all things. This can strike anywhere, from Winnipeg to Thailand, 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 Winnipeg area home. There are two primary reasons the evaporator coil may freeze:
- Restricted air flow
- Insufficient refrigerant
Either way, the outcome is that the air conditioner’s evaporator coil will be unable to properly dissipate heat, and consequently ‘overcools’ itself. The impact 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 just turned into an old-school icebox.
What Should You Do When Your A/C Freezes?
- Turn the A/C completely off at the thermostat, and don’t try to thaw the system by increasing the temperature at the thermostat. Just make sure 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 and replace any return air filters. Open all the registers completely and confirm that they are not obstructed by furniture or curtains.
- Call Enercare Winnipeg Supply. 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 a pricey repair. When your AC ices over it can lead to damage to the compressor. Replacing your compressor can cost as much as a downpayment on a high efficiency model. Unfortunately, many people are forced to choose between installing a new system vs repairing the damaged one. If you act quickly and call a certified technician, you stand a better chance of having a less expensive repair.
Your technician will diagnose the situation and how to avoid the issue from occurring in the future. If a leak is present (and that is rare, but possible), the leak has to be repaired or the unit will probably freeze again.
