How to Fix a Frozen Air Conditioner 

Summer’s coming (believe it or not) and here’s an all-to-familiar scenario with the average homeowner: They’re at home, minding their own business, happily indulging a bowl of popcorn and watching Netflix, when all of a sudden – that distant terrible sound; drip… drip… drip. They glance over to see the dog licking at a puddle that’s slowly forming on the dining room floor. In a flash: Worry, 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 Birmingham to Africa, regardless of summer heat. 

Why Air Conditioners Freeze 

When a central air conditioner freezes up, what actually freezes is the condenser unit’s evaporator coil. This component of the air conditioner transfers (evaporates) heat from the inside to the outside of your Birmingham area home. Usually there are two factors why the evaporator coil may freeze: 

  1. Restricted air flow 
  1. Insufficient refrigerant 

Either way, the outcome is that the air conditioner’s evaporator coil cannot operate to properly dissipate heat, and consequently ‘overcools’ itself. The impact 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 transformed into an old-school icebox. 

What Might You Do When Your A/C Freezes? 

  • Turn the unit 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. 
  • 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 impeded by furniture or drapery. 
  • Call Norrell 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 become an expensive repair. When your unit ices over it can lead to a compressor replacement. Replacing your compressor can cost as much as a downpayment on a new system. Unfortunately, many homeowners are forced to choose between installing a new system or repairing the old unit. If you move fast, follow the instructions, and call a ACE-certified technician, you have better odds of getting a less expensive emergency. 

Your technician will diagnose the situation 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.