AC Freezing Up?
Ice on your AC isn't normal. Here's why it happens and what to do about it.
⚠️ Important: If you see ice, turn your AC OFF immediately. Running a frozen AC can damage the compressor.
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18+ Years
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Since 2008
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Starting at $45/mo
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Check These First (DIY)
Before calling for service, try these quick troubleshooting steps.
Turn AC OFF immediately
Running a frozen AC can damage the compressor. Turn system OFF or to FAN ONLY.
Let ice melt completely
Set thermostat to FAN ONLY to circulate air and speed melting. Takes 1-24 hours.
Check air filter
Dirty filter is the #1 cause. Replace if dirty and let system thaw before restarting.
Check all supply vents
Closed or blocked vents restrict airflow and can cause freezing.
Don't chip ice off
You'll damage the delicate evaporator coil fins. Let it melt naturally.
Tried everything above and still having issues?
Our technicians can diagnose the problem in about 30 minutes.
Schedule Service: (704) 821-3632Common Causes & Repair Costs
What might be wrong and what it typically costs to fix.
| Cause | Likelihood | Cost | DIY? |
|---|---|---|---|
Dirty Air Filter Restricted airflow causes coil to get too cold and freeze. | Very Common | $5-$30 | ✓ Yes |
Low Refrigerant Refrigerant leak causes low pressure and freezing. Needs leak repair. | Very Common | $200-$800 | Pro |
Blocked Supply Vents Closed or furniture-blocked vents restrict airflow. | Common | Free | ✓ Yes |
Dirty Evaporator Coil Dirt insulates coil and reduces airflow over it. | Moderate | $150-$400 | Pro |
Blower Motor Issue Weak blower doesn't move enough air across coil. | Moderate | $400-$900 | Pro |
Collapsed Ductwork Crushed or disconnected ducts restrict airflow. | Less Common | $200-$500 | Pro |
Dirty Air Filter
DIYRestricted airflow causes coil to get too cold and freeze.
Low Refrigerant
ProRefrigerant leak causes low pressure and freezing. Needs leak repair.
Blocked Supply Vents
DIYClosed or furniture-blocked vents restrict airflow.
Dirty Evaporator Coil
ProDirt insulates coil and reduces airflow over it.
Blower Motor Issue
ProWeak blower doesn't move enough air across coil.
Collapsed Ductwork
ProCrushed or disconnected ducts restrict airflow.
Diagnose by Symptom
Describe what you're experiencing to narrow down the cause.
"Ice on the copper lines going into the house"
Likely cause: Low refrigerant or restricted airflow. Common with dirty filter.
"Ice covering the entire outdoor unit"
Likely cause: Severe refrigerant loss or major airflow restriction.
"AC freezes up every few days"
Likely cause: Slow refrigerant leak. Will need leak detection and repair.
"Freezing only happens on very humid days"
Likely cause: Borderline airflow issue—dirty filter or coil making it worse.
Our Repair Pricing
Upfront, honest pricing. No surprises.
$89
Diagnostic Fee
Waived with repair
$200-$800
Most Repairs
20-45 minutes
Response Time
30-50%
Less Than Big Co's
* Prices shown are typical ranges. Final price depends on specific diagnosis.
Serving the Charlotte Metro Area
Same-day emergency service available • Response in 20-45 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my AC keep freezing up?
AC freezes when the evaporator coil gets too cold due to: dirty air filter (check this first!), low refrigerant from a leak, blocked vents, dirty coils, or blower problems. The coil should be cold but not freezing—ice means something is wrong with airflow or refrigerant levels.
What should I do if my AC is frozen?
Turn the system OFF immediately to prevent compressor damage. Set the fan to ON to help melt the ice (1-24 hours depending on severity). Check and replace your air filter. Once melted, you can try restarting—if it freezes again, call a professional.
Can I just scrape the ice off my AC?
No! Never chip or scrape ice off your AC. The evaporator coil has delicate aluminum fins that are easily damaged. Damaged fins restrict airflow and make the problem worse. Let ice melt naturally with the system off and fan running.
How much does it cost to fix a frozen AC?
Depends on the cause. Filter replacement: $5-$30 (DIY). Refrigerant leak repair and recharge: $200-$800. Coil cleaning: $150-$400. Blower motor: $400-$900. Our diagnostic is $89, waived with repair.
How long does it take for a frozen AC to thaw?
Light freezing (ice on pipes only): 1-3 hours. Moderate freezing (ice on coil): 3-6 hours. Severe freezing (entire unit covered): 12-24 hours. Run the fan to speed up thawing. Don't restart until completely thawed.
AC Keeps Freezing Up?
We'll find the root cause and fix it. $89 diagnostic (waived with repair). Same-day service.
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