What to do right now
- Turn cooling off at the thermostat and set the fan to On to help melt the ice.
- Protect the area. Melting ice can overflow the drain pan; put towels down and check the condensate line.
- Check the filter and replace it if dirty.
- Wait. Thawing can take several hours. Don't chip at ice: coil fins are easily damaged.
Common causes
- Restricted airflow: dirty filter, closed or blocked registers, dirty coil, collapsed duct.
- Low refrigerant: a leak lowers coil pressure and temperature below freezing.
- Blower problems: a failing motor or capacitor moves too little air.
- Running in cool weather: running the AC when it is cool outside can cause icing on some systems.
When to call a pro
If the coil refreezes after a clean filter and open registers, a technician needs to check refrigerant performance and blower operation. Refrigerant leaks must be repaired by an EPA-certified technician. See AC repair costs.
Frequently asked questions
Can I run my AC while it is frozen?
No. Running it frozen can damage the compressor. Switch cooling off and run the fan to thaw.
Will a frozen AC fix itself?
The ice will melt, but the cause will remain. If it refreezes, call a technician.
