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A dirty air conditioning coil can cause your unit to work overtime, leading to reduced efficiency, higher energy use, more wear and tear, and possible ice buildup. If the coils corrode, refrigerant can leak, causing damage, possible mold growth, and an expensive repair bill. By cleaning your AC coils once a year, you’ll have a more efficient unit that’s likely to last longer.

HVAC companies may charge an hourly rate or a flat fee. Hourly rates typically range from $100 to $250 per hour, with an average around $175. Some contractors charge a flat fee for specific services, such as an inspection, which can cost between $150 and $500. The total cost of an HVAC service is influenced by several factors, including: the urgency of the service (emergency repairs after hours or on holidays cost more), the time of year, the type, size, and brand of your HVAC system, the specific repair needed, and whether you have a service contract.

If left untreated, a frozen AC unit can lead to costly damage, especially to the compressor and evaporator coils. When ice forms on the evaporator coils, they become brittle and more susceptible to breaking. Plus, a freeze makes your AC system much less efficient, which means it's wasting energy and costing you more in your monthly energy bills.

One of the fastest ways to unfreeze an AC unit is to turn off the unit and, if it’s warm outside, use the fan-only mode to help blow warmer air through the unit to speed up the defrosting process. While it may be tempting to use a hair dryer to defrost the air conditioner, that high heat can damage the coils.

After defrosting, if you can safely solve the issue with a fix like changing the filter, go ahead and do so. Otherwise, call in a pro before turning your AC back on.