How to Fix Frozen Condenser Coils in Your AC Unit
Nobody likes coming home to a hot and stuffy house. The air conditioning is a necessity during the hot summer days, but sometimes things can go wrong with your unit. One of the most frequent and annoying problems is when the condenser coils in your air conditioning are frozen. This makes it hard to cool down your house, and it’s definitely a repair situation you should take care of quickly. But how do you do it?
Let’s take a look at what’s causing the problem and how to fix it.
Checking the Circuity
So, first and foremost you need to check the circuity. What this means is to first see if the power cord is in needs of a reset. If that is the cause of the problem, then follow the instructions in the user manual that came with the air conditioner.
If the power cord is not the problem, you may need to get a professional in to look at the power circuit in your home. This may be the problem with the outside AC unit and its wiring.
Cleaning the Filters
The next step is to take a look at the air filters. If they are dirty or clogged, they can worsen circulation and cause your condenser coils to freeze. To clean the filters, first switch off the power to the unit. Then you should carefully remove them and rinse them with cold water. Once thoroughly cleaned, allow them to dry completely before putting them back in the unit.
Cleaning the Coils
If your AC unit is still freezing, you should try cleaning the condenser coils. Blocked condenser coils can’t release the heat that needs to pass from the unit to your house. You can use a vacuum cleaner to clear dust, gummy residue and dirt from the coils.
For larger and heavier duty dirt, use a soft brush and some bleach (only if your coils are made of copper or aluminum). Be careful and don’t scratch or damage the delicate coils. Also, be sure to unplug the power cord before beginning.
Replacing the Thermostat
If your AC coils are still freezing despite all of the above methods, it could be a sign of a Thermostat issue. Re-calibrate the thermostat should fix the problem. If not, you might need to get it replaced.
Call a Professional
When all your efforts have failed to thaw the coils, you should consider calling a professional at a local and reliable appliance repair. They can diagnose the root cause of the problem and quickly fix it. Also take the time to go over the user manual thoroughly, this will help you understand what’s causing the problem.
Having a frozen AC coils is never an ideal situation, but it can be remedied. Hopefully this guide has helped you understand what is causing your AC unit to freeze and how to fix it. If your AC unit is still frozen, it’s best to call an experienced professional to check out your unit and make sure the problem is resolved quickly and effectively.
Prevention Of Frozen Condenser Coils
When it comes to preventing Frozen Condenser Coils, Florida homeowners should contact a local reliable HVAC technician to ensure the best maintenance practices are being followed. Having a professional evaluate your home’s HVAC system will not only help ensure proper function, but also prolong the life of your system. There are several guidelines to follow in order to properly prevent frozen condenser coils.
Manufacturer recommendations for the prevention of frozen condenser coils often involve basic maintenance practices such as regular cleaning and inspection. These maintenance practices should be completed on a regular basis, as dirty or faulty components can reduce the system’s efficiency and contribute to the freezing of condenser coils. Additionally, debris and dirt can accumulate on the condenser fins, making it less effective in cooling system components.
Similarly, local appliance companies often recommend preventive maintenance in order to avert any potential problems. Cleaning the outside unit, such as the condenser coils, is an important part of preventive maintenance. In addition, they typically suggest adjusting the thermostat in order to reduce the risk of frozen coils. As air conditioning systems typically run more often in warm weather, installing a programmable thermostat can be quite beneficial.
Certified HVAC technicians are also able to offer detailed advice on preventing the freezing of condenser coils. While it is recommended that homeowners seek out their services, there are some basic maintenance practices that should be followed in order to avoid any issues. Inspecting the coils, ensuring that they are properly cleaned, and making sure that they are properly mounted are all primary preventative steps. Voltage checks should also be performed occasionally to ensure that the system is operating at an adequate level.
Here is a itemized list of preventative action to avoid frozen condenser coils:
- Utilize a local reliable HVAC technician to assist with your HVAC system maintenance.
- Keep condenser coils clean and debris-free.
- Install a programmable thermostat to reduce the risk of frozen condenser coils.
- Ensure the condenser coils are properly mounted.
- Perform regular voltage checks to ensure optimal performance.
Average Repair Cost for Frozen Condenser Coils
It is essential to have your condenser coils professionally serviced—especially if you are dealing with a frozen condenser issue. The average repair cost for this issue is usually between $250–$550, depending on various factors.
Parts
Due to the nature of the issue and the parts that may need to be replaced, it is critical to have a professional inspect your air conditioner unit. The inspection and necessary parts could include:
- Fan blade
- Run capacitor
- Fan motor
- Compressor
- Freon
- Thermostat
- Coils
- Contactor
If your air conditioning unit is in an extreme condition, it may require a complete replacement which will cost $3,000–$4,500 on average for residential air conditioners.
Complex Repair or Installation Cost
For complex repair or installation in California, prices may be up by 20%. For complete replacement of your air conditioning unit, you may be looking at costs between $3,600-$5,400. For repairs, the cost may be between $300-$660.
Advice
For the best professional advice, contact the local, reliable air conditioning and heating specialists at 866-311-8590. They can provide an accurate cost estimate of the repair or replacement and help you with whatever may be necessary.
Fixing Frozen Condenser Coils
When trying to keep your home’s air conditioning system running smoothly, consider Reliable Air Conditioning & Heating. This family-owned business is located in California and provides same-day service for HVAC installations and repairs.
Their highly trained technicians have a minimum of five years of experience in the HVAC field. They are well acquainted with frozen condenser coils, making them the perfect choice to help resolves this issue quickly and efficiently, while offering fair and affordable pricing.
Reliable is licensed and insured, offering customers peace of mind that all work is held to the highest standard. Customers can rest assured knowing all repairs come with a 90-day warranty.
If you think your home’s air conditioning system may have frozen condenser coils, give the HVAC experts at Reliable Air Conditioning & Heating a call for same-day service. With their experience, knowledge, and customer satisfaction, they’ll make sure your home is as cool and comfortable as possible.
FAQ About How to Fix Frozen Condenser Coils in Your AC Unit and Frozen Condenser Coils
What Are Condenser Coils & How Do They Get Frozen?
Condenser coils are part of an AC unit’s evaporator system. It consists of tubing that uses a refrigerant to absorb heat and draw it away from the air. When the air outside gets too cold, the coils can become frosted and freeze solid, preventing cool air from entering the home.
What Should I Do if My Condenser Coils Are Frozen?
If your condenser coils are frozen, immediately switch off the AC unit. Turn off the power to the unit, and fully open the windows to disperse any remaining heat in the home. If the unit is connected to a heat pump, this should be done as well. Inspect both the indoor and outdoor components of the unit for Frozen Condenser Coils. If you can find the source, try to warm the area or clear away any debris that is blocking air flow.
How Can I Prevent My Condenser Coils From Freezing?
To ensure your condenser coils don’t freeze, make sure they are properly maintained throughout the year. This includes scheduling regular tune-ups as well as taking steps to protect the unit from extreme weather. The more well-maintained the unit is, the less likely it is to freeze.
If your condenser coils do become frozen, you may need professional repairs in order to ensure the cooling system is working properly and isn’t damaged. If you need assistance with frozen condenser coils, call Local Reliable Appliance Repair at (866) 311-8590.