Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?

mediagistic • March 30, 2017
Frozen outdoor air conditioning unit covered in ice

Air Conditioner Freezing Up?

One of the strangest sights you may ever see is the coils on an air conditioner covered in ice on a hot day. Many homeowners in Jacksonville, FL have experienced this problem with their AC unit. This phenomenon is known as “air conditioner freeze-up” and the problem may occur for several reasons.


Fortunately, if you call Cool Connections, Inc. for AC repair as soon as you notice ice or frost on your AC unit, you can resolve the situation and save dollars and the frustrations of future AC repair costs.


The first thing you should do if you notice ice on your AC unit is to turn the unit off. Keep the unit off for a few hours and allow the unit to completely defrost. Once your unit has thawed out, check a few things with your system to ensure that your unit is getting the inflow of air that it requires.

Not Enough Air Flow

One reason for your air conditioner freezing up is that the airflow going into or out of your system is blocked. Your air conditioner operates on the premise that free flowing air passes through the system and is cooled by the unit. The cooled air is then blown throughout your home.


There are several ways the air flow may be blocked to your AC unit. An intake register may be blocked, preventing the intake of air into your system. Your ductwork may need cleaning, a dirty ductwork can prevent air from flowing through the ducts properly. Check your AC filter. If a filter is extremely clogged, it will prevent air from properly flowing through the intake register. Check the central air intake register and make sure that air is efficiently flowing into your system. Replace or clean your AC filter if necessary. Check and clear all possible blockages to air flow.  Once your AC unit has defrosted, turn the unit on and monitor the system to be sure it does not freeze up again.

Refrigerant Level Low

Another reason your air conditioner may be freezing up is that the unit is low on refrigerant. Refrigerant is necessary to cool the air and keep your home comfortable. Sometimes, the AC system’s lines may develop a leak and refrigerant may leak. One symptom that may cause air conditioner freezing up is from low refrigerant levels. Our HVAC technician will check the refrigerant levels during a regular maintenance tune-up. However, if your system is leaking refrigerant, the technician will also determine why. The technician will locate and repair any leaks in the refrigerant lines.

Regular Maintenance

The best way to ensure that your AC system does not freeze is to have your unit regularly tuned up by a qualified AC repair specialist. Cool Connections, Inc. provides regular maintenance tune-ups and AC repair for homeowners in the Jacksonville, FL area. With regular maintenance you will prevent small problems from becoming big problems and ensure optimal performance of your air conditioning system.  We also offer annual service agreements, which can reduce the cost of a Performance Tune-Up. Regular maintenance will provide longer lasting equipment, reduce utility bills and repairs, provide a more comfortable indoor environment and most of all, protect your investment.


With HVAC System Maintenance our NATE Certified technicians will inspect and tune your system to ensure that your refrigerant level is sufficient and the air flow is optimal, keeping your home cool and your unit working well.


Cool Connections, Inc. is a locally owned and operated business. We have thousands of customers and the experience for HVAC service, repair and installations for furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioning (AC), and air quality systems. Be sure to Contact Cool Connections, Inc. in Jacksonville, Florida for all your air conditioning and heating needs. (904) 908-5252

Share this article

Recent Posts

Attic interior with spray foam insulation
By copypress December 13, 2023
If you notice any of these signs, you may need more insulation in the attic of your Jacksonville, FL, home.
Woman in sweater holding a notebook
By copypress November 13, 2023
Here are three common habits that can damage your home's air quality and cause you to become sick or uncomfortable.
Wrenches on top of HVAC unit
By copypress October 14, 2023
Here are some signs that can help guide you as you try to determine whether the heat pump compressor is faulty.
Smart thermostat on a wall
By copypress September 14, 2023
If you're contemplating upgrading to a smart thermostat, we'll help you explore the options and make an informed decision.
Two air conditioning units on a gravel base
By copypress August 18, 2023
Let's delve into the positive health impact of air conditioning.
Woman holding her nose in a room, grimacing at an unpleasant smell
By copypress July 16, 2023
Here are four strange heat pump odors and what they mean for your system.
Bright kitchen with island, stainless steel appliances, and ceiling fan
By copypress June 17, 2023
You can remedy poor airflow in your Jacksonville, FL, home in several ways.
Person uses a portable fan
By copypress May 3, 2023
Here are some important signs that your air conditioner is nearing the end of its days.
Different HVAC tools
By copypress April 13, 2023
Here are some reasons your heat pump might trip the circuit breaker.
Hand adjusting a digital thermostat dial
March 14, 2023
Here are the most common reasons behind your smart thermostat screen going blank in St. Johns, FL.
Man connecting flexible ductwork to an overhead vent
By onlineeditor February 21, 2023
Scheduling duct cleaning is critical to avoiding these dangers that will add stress to your life.
Woman celebrates cleaning in bright living room
By copypress January 27, 2023
Here's a quick overview to help you understand why energy recovery ventilators can be a good investment for your home in St. Johns, FL.
Air conditioner unit against a red brick wall
By copypress December 18, 2022
Here are signs that indicate you need to replace your home’s heat pump.
Wrenches rest on top of an air conditioning unit
By copypress November 13, 2022
Here are reasons your heat pump may run continuously and how to resolve the issue.
Woman cleaning a dusty room
By copypress October 13, 2022
Here are five of the most common causes of poor airflow, their impact on HVAC efficiency and what you can do about them.
Woman holding a paper and adjusting a white thermostat on a wall
By copypress September 9, 2022
Here are some signs that indicate it's time for you to invest in a new thermostat.
Smart home energy monitor on a wall in a kitchen
By copypress August 3, 2022
Keep reading to find out how your windows affect your AC system’s efficiency in your Jacksonville, FL, home.
Woman with curly hair holds laptop
By Aaron Taylor July 22, 2022
Learn the differences between injection foam and spray foam insulation to know which is suitable for your house.
Air conditioning unit outside a brick building
By copypress June 4, 2022
Here's why annual AC maintenance is necessary for every homeowner and why you should never skip it in Middleburg, FL.
Man relaxes on a white sectional sofa
May 8, 2022
Read on to know some effective techniques to manage the humidity levels in your Jacksonville, FL, home this spring and summer.
Woman wrapped in a blanket, sitting on a sofa
By copypress April 3, 2022
Read on to learn why your home might have hot and cold spots.
Show More