Summer’s coming (we promise) and here's a common scenario with the average homeowner: They’re sitting in their house, minding their own business, enjoying a bowl of popcorn and watching Netflix, when suddenly he/she hears dreadful sound; drip... drip... drip. They turn their head to see the cat licking at a puddle that's gradually forming on the dining room floor. In a flash: Worry, stress, and that ”oh brother!” feeling. How did the leak start?; water heater, leaky toilet, shower, faucet? No – it's the air conditioner of all things. This can strike anywhere, from Roanoke to Timbuktu, 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 Roanoke area home. Usually there are two factors why the evaporator coil may freeze:
- Airflow restriction
- Insufficient refrigerant
Either way, the result is that the air conditioner's evaporator coil will be unable to properly transfer heat, and consequently 'overcools' itself. The net effect 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 short, the A/C just turned into an old-school icebox.
What Can You Do When Your A/C Freezes?
- Turn the system completely off at the thermostat, and don’t try to thaw the system by increasing the temperature at the thermostat. Ensure 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 along with any return air filters. Open all the registers completely and ensure that they are not obstructed by furniture or drapes.
- Call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. 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 an expensive repair. When your AC freezes over it can lead to a compressor replacement. Replacing your compressor could easily cost as much as a downpayment on a new system. In fact, many homeowners are forced to decide between installing a new system or repairing the damaged model. If you move fast, follow the instructions, and call a ACE-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 repeating in the future. If a leak exists (and that is rare, but possible), the leak has to be repaired or the unit will likely freeze again.