When HVAC Freezes Up
Cody Roy Ferguson • August 11, 2025
What to do when my AC freezes
Is your AC unit frozen?
A frozen air conditioner
is one of the most common — and frustrating — HVAC problems homeowners face, especially during peak summer heat. You might notice ice on the evaporator coils, poor airflow, or your AC just blowing warm air.
The good news? A frozen AC doesn’t always mean major repairs. But acting quickly is key.
As your trusted local HVAC company, we’ve put together this step-by-step guide
to help you respond safely and effectively when your air conditioner freezes.
Step 1: Turn Off Your AC Immediately
The first thing you should do is turn off your air conditioner at the thermostat. Continuing to run it while frozen can:
- Damage the compressor
- Waste energy
- Make the problem worse
- Set your system to “OFF”
and switch the fan to “ON”
to help thaw the ice faster.
Step 2: Check for Airflow Blockages
Poor airflow is one of the top causes of a frozen AC unit. Once your system is off, check for these common airflow issues:
- ✅ Dirty air filter
— Replace it if it’s clogged
- ✅ Closed or blocked vents — Make sure all supply and return vents are open and unobstructed
- ✅ Dirty evaporator coil — Excess dust can insulate the coil and cause freezing
Pro Tip:
If your filter looks like it hasn’t been changed in a while, that could be the culprit.
Step 3: Let the Ice Melt Completely
Depending on how frozen your AC is, it can take a few hours up to a full day for the ice to thaw.
⚠️ Do not chip away at the ice!
This can damage the coils and void your warranty.
Speed up the process by:
- Running the fan only
(if safe)
- Opening nearby windows to improve air circulation
- Using a box fan to help circulate air near the indoor unit
Step 4: Inspect Your Condensate Drain Line
While your system is thawing, check the drain pan and condensate line for clogs or standing water. If the line is blocked, it can cause water to back up and freeze around the coil.
Signs of a clogged line include:
- Water around the indoor unit
- A musty smell
- Frequent shutdowns
Step 5: Schedule a Professional HVAC Inspection
A frozen AC can be a sign of underlying issues, including:
- Low refrigerant
levels
- Blower motor problems
- Dirty or damaged coils
- Ductwork restrictions
- Thermostat malfunctions
Our certified technicians can diagnose the root cause
and get your AC running efficiently again
— before it becomes a more expensive repair.
Prevent Future Freezing: Pro Maintenance Tips To avoid another frozen AC this summer:
- ✅ Change your filter every 1–3 months
- ✅ Schedule seasonal HVAC maintenance
- ✅ Keep vents open and unobstructed
- ✅ Don’t set your thermostat too low for long periods
- ✅ Watch for signs
of refrigerant leaks (hissing, low cooling)
Need Help With a Frozen AC in Colorado?
Don’t suffer in the heat — let our expert HVAC team help. We serve homeowners across Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and surrounding areas
with fast, honest AC
repairs and preventive maintenance.
📞 Call now or book an appointment online — we’ll get your home cool again in no time.
Bonus Tip:
Frozen AC problems are often preventable with regular tune-ups.
Ask us about our Seasonal Maintenance Plans and keep your system running at peak performance
all year.
1. Environmental Impact A2L refrigerants are l ow-GWP refrigerants , meaning they have a drastically reduced potential to contribute to global warming compared to traditional refrigerants like R-410A. R-410A has a GWP of 2,088 . R-32 has a GWP of 675 . R-454B has an even lower GWP of 466 . This makes A2Ls a c limate-conscious choice that supports global and national efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As part of the HFC phasedown under the AIM Act , these refrigerants are a forward-looking solution aligned with environmental regulations. 2. Energy Efficiency = Lower Utility Bills A2L refrigerants, particularly R-32 , are known for their superior thermodynamic efficiency , which means HVAC systems using them often consume less energy to cool or heat your home. R-32 is around 10% more efficient than R-410A. Systems using A2Ls often have higher SEER2 ratings (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). This i ncreased efficiency translates to: Lower monthly energy bills Reduced wear and tear on your HVAC components Less energy waste , benefiting both your wallet and the planet
If you're planning to upgrade your HVAC system or replace your air conditioner soon, you may start hearing about a new class of refrigerants called A2L refrigerants, including R-32 and R-454B. These newer refrigerants are becoming the industry standard, and it’s important for homeowners to understand why the change is happening and what it means for your home comfort system. What Are A2L Refrigerants? A2L refrigerants are a new generation of refrigerants that offer lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) compared to older refrigerants like R-410A. The term "A2L" refers to their safety classification: A: Non-toxic 2L: Mildly flammable While the word “flammable” might raise concerns, it’s important to know that A2L refrigerants have been proven safe when used correctly and according to updated building codes and safety regulations. Why Are A2L Refrigerants Replacing R-410A? The HVAC industry is shifting away from high-GWP refrigerants due to environmental regulations and global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. R-410A, the common refrigerant used for the past two decades, has a high GWP of 2,088. In comparison: R-32 has a GWP of 675 (about 68% lower than R-410A) R-454B has a GWP of 466 (about 78% lower than R-410A) This change is part of broader policies such as the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, which mandates a phasedown of HFC refrigerants in the United States.
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