Is TBCRN free for homeowners?

Yes. TBCRN's contractor referral service is free to customers.

Does TBCRN perform the work?

No. TBCRN provides contractor introductions. Estimates, scheduling, contracts, pricing and work are handled directly between the customer and contractor.

What areas does TBCRN serve?

TBCRN connects customers with professionals throughout the Tampa Bay area.

What if I don't know which contractor I need?

Describe the problem. TBCRN can help identify the type of professional who normally handles it.

Can I request emergency help?

Yes. Emergency contractor requests can be submitted through TBCRN and are priority routed to an appropriate available professional.

How long does it take for a frozen AC to thaw?

Typically 1–3 hours depending on the amount of ice and whether you run the fan. Leave the fan in the "on" position and the cooling in "off" until all ice is gone and water has stopped dripping from the condensate drain.

Can a frozen AC damage the compressor?

Yes. Running a frozen system can cause liquid refrigerant to flood back to the compressor, which can destroy it. That is why you should always turn cooling off immediately when you discover ice — the compressor is the most expensive component to replace.

Why Is My AC Frozen?

A frozen AC coil is usually caused by restricted airflow (dirty filter, blocked vents, or a failing blower) or low refrigerant. Turn the cooling off at the thermostat, switch the fan to "on" to help thaw the coil, and let the system fully defrost before calling an HVAC contractor.

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What to Do Right Now

Ice or frost visible on the copper refrigerant lines connected to the indoor unit, or the indoor coil is covered in ice. The AC may stop cooling and the air from vents may feel warm.

Turn the thermostat from "cool" to "off" — do not keep running a frozen system, it can damage the compressor

Switch the fan setting from "auto" to "on" to push air across the coil and speed up thawing

Check and replace the air filter if it is dirty — this is the most common cause of restricted airflow

Make sure all supply and return vents are open and unobstructed

Allow 1–3 hours for the coil to fully thaw before restarting the system

What Not to Do

✗Do not chip, scrape, or pour hot water on the ice — you can damage the coil fins and tubing

✗Do not keep the system running in cooling mode while frozen — the compressor can be destroyed

✗Do not add refrigerant yourself — low refrigerant indicates a leak that must be found and repaired first

When to Call a Professional

Call an HVAC contractor if the filter is clean, vents are open, and the coil freezes again after thawing. A system that freezes repeatedly likely has low refrigerant (indicating a leak), a dirty evaporator coil, or a failing blower motor — all of which need professional diagnosis and repair.

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