How to Fix a Frozen Air Conditioner 

Summer’s coming (we promise) and here’s a typical scenario with the average homeowner: They’re sitting in their house, minding their own business, enjoying a bowl of popcorn and watching a movie, when all of a sudden – that distant dreadful sound; drip… drip… drip. They glance over to see the household pet licking at a puddle that’s slowly forming on the bathroom floor. Just like that, the mood changes: Anxiety, stress, and that “how much will this cost?” feeling. How did the leak start?; water heater, leaky toilet, shower, faucet? No – it’s the air conditioner of all things. This can happen anywhere, from Columbus to Africa, regardless of summer heat. 

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 Columbus area home. The two main reasons why the evaporator coil may freeze: 

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

Either way, the result is that the air conditioner’s evaporator coil does not properly disperse the heat, and in effect ‘overcools’ itself. The net effect 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 transformed into an old-school icebox. 

What Can You Do When Your A/C Freezes? 

  • 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. 
  • Do what you can to ensure airflow is not restricted. Replace the furnace or air handler’s filter and replace any return air filters. Open all the registers completely and verify that they are not blocked by furniture or curtains. 
  • Call Stevenson Service Experts. The air conditioning system needs to be serviced by a professional that is ACE-certified 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 AC ices over it can lead to a totaled compressor. Replacing your compressor could easily cost as much as a downpayment on a new system. In fact, many people are forced to choose between installing a new system or repairing the old one. If you move fast, follow the instructions, and call a ACE-certified technician, you stand a better chance of having a less expensive repair. 

Your technician will quickly analyze the problem and how to avoid the issue from occurring in the future. 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.