A homeowner said a 2.5-ton Guardian air conditioner ran nonstop, failed to cool a 1,900-square-foot house, and froze overnight — a problem that led them to question a technician's explanation and seek a second opinion.
Here's what to know
In the homeowner's account, the technician blamed the house itself — specifically a two-story living room and an attached sunroom with windows that were said to be letting in too much heat.
The suggested solution was to "cover all the windows with Mylar blankets so the sun can't get in."
While sunlight and poor insulation can make a home hard to cool, a coil that freezes over usually points to an HVAC problem, such as airflow restrictions, equipment sizing, or refrigerant issues.
If you're trying to understand which options make sense, Palmetto can help homeowners explore efficient HVAC units and heat pumps that can cut wasted energy. Palmetto's Comfort Plan network can help you find efficient heating and cooling solutions for your home and connect you with vetted installers.
More background
An AC system that never shuts off can create comfort issues and drive up energy use.
Heat gain through windows can be problematic, especially in rooms with high ceilings or heavy sun exposure. Still, it typically will not explain a coil icing over.
Old systems or a poorly matched installation can quietly drain a household budget. Even if a unit still powers on, poor performance can mean higher bills, more wear and tear, and a greater risk of a breakdown.
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What can be done?
A freezing AC system may require an inspection of the airflow, ductwork, refrigerant, coil, and sizing. A full-system review can help avoid repeat service calls that never address the root cause.
If replacement is the smartest financial option, Palmetto can be worth a look. Through Palmetto, you can explore $0 down options that can lower your heating and cooling costs by 50%, and Palmetto Comfort Plans include 12 years of maintenance.
Even getting a second opinion can keep you from wasting money on ineffective fixes.
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