You walked outside and saw ice on the copper pipe leading from your AC. Or you opened up the indoor air handler and the coil is a block of ice. A frozen AC coil isn't just a problem — it's a symptom of a deeper issue that, if you keep running, will destroy your compressor. Here's exactly what to do.
🚨 STOP THE SYSTEM IMMEDIATELY. Set the thermostat to OFF (not fan, not auto — OFF). Let the ice melt 3–4 hours. Running a frozen system damages the compressor — a $1,800+ repair. Then call us to fix the underlying cause.
When your filter is clogged, not enough warm air passes over the evaporator coil. The coil drops below freezing → moisture in the air freezes onto it → ice. Filter is the #1 cause of frozen coils in Florida.
Refrigerant absorbs heat. Too little = coil gets too cold = ice. This means there's a leak somewhere — refrigerant doesn't get 'used up.' We pressure-test, find the leak, fix it, and recharge.
If the blower can't move enough air across the coil, same result: coil too cold, ice forms. Symptoms: weak airflow at vents even with clean filter, blower running slowly or intermittently.
A coil caked with dust/dirt can't transfer heat properly. Cold spots form, then ice. Florida pollen + Saharan dust events are notorious for clogging coils.
If you closed too many supply vents to 'force' cooling to one room, you restricted airflow enough to freeze the coil. Open at least 80% of vents at all times.
Florida hits this 5–10 nights a year. Running cooling below 60°F outside causes refrigerant to drop below freezing inside. If outside temp is in the 50s, switch to heat or fan mode.
Run through these in order — about 30% of calls are resolved by the homeowner with these checks.
Not fan-only. Not auto. Full OFF at thermostat. Some pros suggest running fan-only to speed thaw — only do this if you can confirm the blower is working.
Ice doesn't fully melt in 30 minutes. Resist the urge to chip away at it — you'll damage the fins.
Melting ice produces a LOT of water. Drain pans and lines can't handle it all at once.
While waiting for thaw. If filter was gray/dusty, this might be your only issue. Should be replaced every 30–60 days in Florida.
If it freezes up again within 30 minutes, the issue isn't filter — call us for diagnosis (probably low refrigerant or blower).
Call us if: ice re-forms after thaw + filter change, the unit is older than 10 years, you've topped up refrigerant in the past (indicates ongoing leak), or you're not comfortable diagnosing. Most frozen coil repairs are done in 1–2 hours, $245–$595 typical.
📞 Get Help Now — (855) 417-88663–4 hours minimum with the system OFF. Running fan-only (if blower works) can cut this to 1–2 hours but only if airflow is good. Don't chip the ice — you'll damage the aluminum fins.
Yes — running with a frozen coil restricts refrigerant flow and can damage the compressor. Compressor replacement costs $1,800–$3,500. Turn it off the second you see ice.
If it freezes repeatedly after filter changes and thaw cycles, you likely have a refrigerant leak (low charge) or a failing blower motor. Both require a tech to diagnose properly.
Yes — when ice melts, it can overwhelm the drain pan and cause water to overflow into ceilings/flooring. Place towels under the unit during thaw.
If you turn the system off immediately, you can wait until business hours. But if you can't turn it off (controls locked, multiple units, etc.) — yes, call our 24/7 line. Continuing to run will destroy the compressor.
Running but no cold air? Diagnose the cause.
5 causes from breaker to refrigerant.
Stop water damage before it spreads.
Step-by-step diagnostic guide.
Why ice forms — and how to fix it safely.
See all common repair costs upfront.
60-minute response. Same-day fix. No after-hours upcharge.
📞 (855) 417-8866