Nobody wants to wake up to a frozen air conditioner. In early September, a homeowner in Dyer found their system had frozen up during the night. They did the sensible thing and turned it off. But when they turned it back on, it was not blowing cold air, so they called us.
What Our Technician Found
Our technician went through the system and found two worn parts in the outdoor unit. The first was the contactor, the switch that tells the outdoor unit when to run. The second was the capacitor, the part that gives the compressor and fan motor the boost they need to start.
Both of these parts wear down a little every time your system turns on and off. Eventually, they cannot do their job, and the outdoor unit struggles to start or will not run at all.
What We Completed
- Checked the system after the freeze-up.
- Replaced the worn contactor.
- Replaced the capacitor.
- Checked system pressures with gauges.
The Result
With a new contactor and capacitor, the outdoor unit has reliable parts to start and run again. Learn more about our AC repair service.
Replacing both parts at the same visit means the outdoor unit has a fresh switch and a fresh starting boost, instead of one new part working alongside one that is already worn.
What to Do if Your AC Freezes Up
If you see ice on your indoor coil or on the copper line at the outdoor unit, turn the cooling off so the ice can melt. Running a frozen system can strain the compressor. Check your air filter too, since a clogged filter is a common cause of freezing. If the system still is not cooling once the ice is gone, it is time to call for service.
What Homeowners Can Learn From This Job
- Turning it off was the right call. Shutting down a frozen system protects it from more damage.
- Small parts wear out. Contactors and capacitors are some of the parts that wear the fastest.
- Maintenance catches them early. These parts are checked during a regular tune-up.
- Check your filter regularly. A clean filter keeps air moving across the indoor coil and helps prevent freeze-ups.
Need AC Repair in Dyer?
Our team serves homeowners in Dyer, Van Buren and across the River Valley. If your air conditioner froze up or stopped cooling, call us or book online and we will take a look.
