Summer’s coming (we promise) and here's an often cited scenario with the average homeowner: They’re sitting in their house, minding their own business, happily indulging a bowl of popcorn and watching Netflix, when they notice that awful sound; drip... drip... drip. They glance over to see the cat licking at a puddle that's gradually forming on the kitchen floor. In a flash: Concern, stress, and that sinking feeling. Where did the leak come from?; water heater, leaky toilet, shower, faucet? No – it's the air conditioner of all things. This can occur anywhere, from Nashville to Thailand, regardless of weather.
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 Nashville area home. The two main reasons why the evaporator coil may freeze:
- Airflow restriction
- Low refrigerant
Either way, the outcome is that the air conditioner's evaporator coil cannot operate to properly transfer heat, and in essence '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. Yep, the A/C has morphed into an old-school icebox.
What Should You Do When Your A/C Freezes?
- Turn the A/C completely off at the thermostat, and do not increase the thermostat temperature as a way to melt the frost on the coils. Just make sure the A/C system is completely OFF.
- Confirm that there is nothing restricting the airflow to the system. Replace the furnace or air handler's filter and replace any return air filters. Open all the registers completely and ensure that they are not blocked by furniture or drapes.
- Call Donelson Air 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 an expensive repair. When your AC freezes over it can lead to a compressor replacement. Replacing your compressor could cost as much as a downpayment on a high efficiency model. In fact, many people are forced to choose between installing a new system vs repairing the damaged model. If you act quickly and call a ACE-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 exists (and that is rare, but possible), the leak has to be repaired or the unit will most likely freeze again.