Why Your AC Unit Freezes Up — And How To Fix It
In Florida, your air conditioner is more than a luxury. It keeps humid air out, cool air in and your home feeling comfortable year-round. But when your AC unit freezes up, all that comfort can come to a screeching halt. Ironically, a frozen AC unit doesn’t mean colder air — it often means your system is blowing warm or room-temperature air instead.
The good news? In many cases, a frozen air conditioner doesn’t mean you need to replace the entire system. Express Air Conditioning and Heating has been serving the Pensacola area with reliable AC services for over 20 years. If you’re wondering what to do when your AC unit freezes up, this guide will walk you through the causes, prevention tips and the safest way to get your cool air flowing again.
What Causes An Air Conditioner To Freeze Up?
There are several reasons your AC might develop ice buildup:
- Restricted airflow — Dirty air filters, blocked vents or clogged ductwork can limit airflow and cause the evaporator coils to freeze.
- Low refrigerant levels — If your system has a refrigerant leak, the pressure drops, lowering the coil temperature and causing ice to form.
- Thermostat problems — Incorrect settings or malfunctioning sensors can cause the system to overcool.
- Mechanical issues — Faulty fans, motors or other internal components can disrupt airflow and lead to freezing.
Understanding what causes an air conditioner to freeze up can help you prevent future issues and keep your system running efficiently.
What To Do When Your AC Unit Freezes Up
If you’ve noticed ice on your system, follow these steps before calling for professional help:
Turn Off The AC
The first step is to shut the system down completely. A running unit is what caused the freeze in the first place, and keeping it on will only worsen the problem — and waste money.
Turn On The Fan
After the AC has been off for a bit, switch the fan setting to “On” (not “Auto”) to help circulate warm air and speed up the thawing process.
Let The Ice Melt Completely
This can take several hours. Be patient — forcing the ice off can damage coils and other components.
Dry The Coils
Once the ice has melted, carefully wipe away excess water around the coils to prevent mildew and musty odors.
Turn It Back On
After everything is dry, restart your system. If airflow is back to normal and cool air is flowing, you may have solved the problem.
Will A Frozen AC Fix Itself?
Technically, if the ice melts naturally, your system might start working again — but that doesn’t mean the underlying issue is gone. A frozen AC unit is almost always a symptom of a bigger problem, whether that’s poor airflow, low refrigerant or a failing component. Without addressing the root cause, the problem will return — often worse than before.
How To Prevent A Frozen AC
Preventing this problem is much easier (and cheaper) than fixing it repeatedly. Here are some tips:
- Replace air filters regularly — In Florida’s humid climate, filters can clog quickly. Swap them every 1–3 months.
- Keep vents and ducts clear — Make sure furniture, rugs or dust buildup aren’t blocking airflow.
- Schedule routine maintenance — Annual tune-ups keep your AC running at peak efficiency and catch problems early.
- Monitor for signs of trouble — If you hear unusual noises, notice weak airflow or see ice forming, call for service right away.
When To Call The Professionals
If your AC freezes more than once or you suspect a refrigerant leak, it’s time to call in the experts. At Express Air Conditioning and Heating, our licensed technicians can quickly identify the cause and make lasting repairs.
Serving Pensacola and the surrounding areas since 2003, we pride ourselves on fast, reliable and affordable service — without overselling you on what you don’t need.
Don’t wait until your home heats up. If you’ve been searching for what to do when your AC unit freezes up, the safest answer is to call the trusted local team at Express Air. We’ll get your system back to its cool, comfortable best.
Contact Express Air today to schedule your AC repair and enjoy quality work — fast and fair!
