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AC Frozen Coil or Water Leaking

Ice on AC lines or water around the furnace while cooling. Likely causes, safe steps, and when to call a technician.

Safe things to check

• Turn cooling off and let the ice melt; you can run the fan only if your thermostat allows it.
• Check the air filter. ENERGY STAR says to check the air filter every month, change it if it looks dirty, and change it at least every 3 months. A dirty filter slows airflow, makes the system work harder and can lead to early failure. (Source: ENERGY STAR (U.S. EPA))
• Move belongings away from water and wipe up water so no one slips.

Stop here

Keep water away from electrical outlets and the furnace controls. If water reaches wiring, turn the system off at the thermostat and call a technician.

What a technician checks

ENERGY STAR says a plugged condensate drain can cause water damage and humidity problems, and airflow problems can cut efficiency by up to 15 percent. A technician checks the drain, the blower, the coil, and the refrigerant charge. (Source: ENERGY STAR (U.S. EPA))

Typical cost

Repair cost depends on the cause. Angi lists fan coil replacement at $600 to $2,000 and burnt-out motor repair at $200 to $700. (Source: Angi) National figures; not a quote.

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