How Do I Keep My Air Conditioner From Freezing Up?

Have you ever wondered why AC units freeze up in the middle of a hot summer day? Seeing ice on your air conditioner may not make sense on a hot summer day, but many property owners face the problem of a frozen air conditioner. 

Are you wondering, “How do I keep my air conditioner from freezing up?” As seasoned AC contractors, we explain how to prevent a frozen air conditioner. 



At Watson Heating & Air, we take pride in having a team of skilled AC repairmen in Richmond, KY, and beyond. We’ve earned a solid reputation for delivering innovative solutions and an unrivaled commitment toward exceptional service delivery on every project. 

If you experience any issues with your cooling system, call us at (859) 625-0081 for customer-first, dependable, and guaranteed service. 

Check and Change Your Air Filter 

Your AC unit needs good airflow to work optimally and prevent the evaporator coils from freezing over. A clogged or dirty filter restricts the flow of air through the evaporator coil, causing it to develop a layer of ice. 

Change your filter regularly to prevent a frozen coil, improve indoor air quality, and enhance system performance. The frequency of required filter changes will depend on factors such as manufacturer recommendations and whether you have pets, among other variables. 

Hire an HVAC Technician to Check for Refrigerant Leaks 

Low refrigerant levels commonly cause air conditioning systems to build up ice. As a unit with low refrigerant struggles to work, pressure may drop low enough to cause temperatures in the evaporator coil to dip below freezing. 

The result: nearby vapor may freeze onto the coil’s surface and eventually cause a buildup of ice on the coils. To keep your AC from freezing up, schedule routine AC maintenance so HVAC experts can check for refrigerant leaks.

Check The Condensate Drain Line 

Answering the question, “How do I keep my air conditioner from freezing up?” requires you to first understand how your AC unit works. 

Your cooling system absorbs indoor heat and transfers it outdoors. Any moisture extracted from the hot air ends up in the condensate drip pan before it eventually flows out of the system through the condensate lines. 

Should any part of the drainage system clog, the water may back up in the tray and eventually overflow. The resulting excess moisture may make the evaporator more prone to freezing up. 

Ensure You Have a Properly Functioning Blower Fan 

A faulty or malfunctioning blower fan can also compromise your AC unit’s efficiency and increase the likelihood of an AC freeze-up by failing to generate sufficient airflow. If you have a damaged blower fan, hire a competent HVAC technician to inspect it and recommend the best course of action. 

The technician will usually check the blower fan’s overall age and condition as well as its motor. They may also check the fan’s power output, rotational speed, and rotational direction. 

Check Your Vents 

Confirm that you have open supply and return ducts with no blockages. Move furniture or any other obstructions away from the vents to facilitate the free flow of air. 

You also want to avoid closing more than two or three supply vents as that would restrict air flow and potentially cause your AC unit to freeze up.

Our AC Repair Service 

When you need AC repairs, choose an HVAC professional that can get to the bottom of your problems and deliver lasting solutions. That’s where we come in. 

Our team of competent and knowledgeable technicians has years of experience restoring damaged cooling systems. 

A DIY AC repair may seem tempting and cost-effective to get rid of ice on your unit, but you may end up worsening the damage. Not to mention, dealing with electric wires may present a safety hazard.

Get In Touch

By understanding what causes your air conditioner to freeze, you can take proactive steps toward preventing it in the first place. Investing in regular maintenance prevents your AC unit from freezing, helps it run more efficiently, and saves money in the long run. 

The Watson Heating & Air team acts fast to address AC repair issues and prevent more serious damage that may cost you plenty in repairs. We offer a full range of AC repair services, whether you have a dirty filter or damaged components causing your air conditioner to freeze.

Call Watson Heating & Air today at (859) 625-0081 for more answers to the question: How do I keep my air conditioner from freezing up? We can also explain why your AC stops and starts again and fix the issue. We proudly serve Richmond, KY, and surrounding areas.