My air conditioning unit is continually running, but not cooling, even in cooler weather. The one inside coil is frozen. The repair guy wants to replace the coil, throw on a thermal do-hickey (sorry, but I forgot what it was), and switch out another part which he said did not come from the original unit. (Since I am the original home owner and the AC has never been fixed, I know this is wrong.) He wants to charge $500. Is this reasonable or even correct? I think it may just be the infrequency of changing the air filter. Initially I was told to change the filter every 2 to 3 months, but with two big dogs and the amount of dirt and hair it probably creates, maybe a once a month filter change is in order to get more air flow to stop freezing. Even so, is that cost correct? I am upset at the technician for treating me like a bubblehead because I’m a woman. Any direction you can share on cost would be helpful. Thank you.
kimberly, portage, IN
Often with big dogs or numerous pets, the coil can get a buildup of pet hair which will result in this type of problem with a frozen coil and the air conditioning not cooling the house. With lots of dog hair, changing your filter monthly is certainly an excellent idea. You didn’t say that they reported it as leaking refrigerant, but that can also cause coil freeze-ups. If the system is not low on refrigerant, then possibly a coil cleaning is needed. A professional HVAC technician, like the ARS/Rescue Rooter location in Itasca, IL at (630) 438-6900, can perform a service call diagnostic on your system and advise you of your options. Also, ask your ARS/Rescue Rooter technician about the value of regular system tune-ups or perhaps a Home Service Plan to maintain your HVAC equipment in peak running condition.