Every winter, frozen AC units cost Queens homeowners millions of dollars in water damage. The good news: most frozen AC unit incidents are 100% preventable with the right prep.
Why Queens Has a Frozen AC Unit Problem
Queens’s housing stock is older than almost any other borough. Many buildings still have original cast-iron or galvanized steel pipes running through exterior walls with almost no insulation. When temperatures drop below 20°F — which happens 5–15 nights every winter — these pipes are at high risk.
Your Pre-Winter Frozen AC Unit Checklist
Inside Your Home
- Insulate pipes in unheated spaces — basement, crawl space, garage. Foam pipe insulation sleeves cost $2–$5 at any hardware store.
- Seal gaps in exterior walls — cold air getting in around pipes is often the cause. Use expanding foam or caulk.
- Disconnect outdoor hoses — water left in the hose can freeze back into the faucet and pipe.
- Know where your main shutoff is — if a pipe does freeze and burst, seconds matter.
When Temperatures Drop Below 20°F
- Let faucets on exterior walls drip overnight (just a trickle is enough)
- Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls to let warm air circulate
- Keep your heat at 55°F minimum, even when you’re away
- If you’re leaving for more than a few days, shut off the main and drain the pipes
For Landlords and Building Managers
- Inspect all common area pipe insulation before November
- Ensure basement mechanical rooms are heated
- Provide clear written instructions to tenants on what to do when temps drop
- Have an HVAC technician number posted in common areas
What To Do If Your Pipe Freezes
If you turn on a faucet and nothing comes out, or you hear no water flow, you may have a frozen AC unit. Do not try to thaw it yourself with a heat gun or torch — this causes house fires and AC breakdowns.
Call us. We use safe, low-temperature pipe heating equipment to thaw frozen AC units without risk.
(718) 555-0192 — 24/7 Winter Emergency Line