Summer’s coming (we promise) and here's an all-to-familiar 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 suddenly he/she hears terrible sound; drip... drip... drip. They look over to see the cat licking at a puddle that's gradually forming on the dining room 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? Not necessarily – the central air conditioner is frozen solid. This can happen anywhere, from Indianapolis to Thailand, 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 Indianapolis area home. Usually there are two factors why the evaporator coil may freeze:
- Restricted air flow
- Lack of sufficient refrigerant
Either way, the result is that the air conditioner's evaporator coil will be unable to properly disperse the heat, and consequently 'overcools' itself. The result 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 don’t try to thaw the system by increasing the temperature at 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 as well as any return air filters. Open all the registers completely and ensure that they are not impeded by furniture or curtains.
- Call Broad Ripple Service Experts. 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 unit freezes over it can lead to a totaled compressor. Replacing your compressor could easily cost as much as a downpayment on a new system. Unfortunately, many people are forced to choose between installing a new system and repairing the old unit. If you act quickly and call a ACE-certified technician, you stand a better chance of having a less expensive job.
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 likely freeze again.