How To Unfreeze an Air Conditioner


It can be perplexing when your AC unit freezes up, especially during a hot summer day. But this common issue is experienced by homeowners in every season and is resolvable when you understand its root cause. We’ll show you how to unfreeze your AC unit through maintenance checks, preventative care, and, when needed, professional repair.

A man removes ice from the inside unit of an AC unit

Why Air Conditioners Freeze Up (Even in the Summer)

Believe it or not, your AC is more likely to freeze during the summer. Using your air conditioner for an extended period of time in hot weather places greater strain on the unit and its inner components, including the AC’s evaporator coils. When these coils become too cold, they freeze over.

There are a handful of other component issues that may be to blame, including:

  • Low refrigerant levels: When refrigerant runs low, your AC unit overexerts itself by cycling on and off.
  • Blocked vents or dirty air filters: Regularly cleaning your AC’s air filter is an important step in DIY maintenance.
  • Faulty wiring: Worn-out wires can lead to more frequent short-cycling.
  • Clogged condensate line: A drain line issue can trap moisture inside the unit, causing evaporator coils to freeze.

What To Do if Your AC Is Frozen

Parker’s pros have two primary tips to restore the effectiveness and safety of your frozen AC:

  1. Let your unit thaw: All you need to do is power off the AC to give the evaporator coils a rest. This may cause water to leak as the ice melts, which is normal.
  2. Dry the coils: Run only your AC fan to help excess water evaporate.

If you’re noticing your unit frequently freezes or cycles on and off, it’s best to call in a professional to check refrigerant levels or for issues with other internal components that may require AC repairs

How You Can Prevent Your AC From Freezing

Murfreesboro homeowners can take certain steps to prevent their air conditioning units from freezing up. Plus, Parker’s technicians are always on standby to address any questions you may have!

Keeping your AC in peak condition relies on:

  • Regular maintenance: Ensure that your air conditioning stays functional and efficient with our expert AC care.
  • Regular filter checks: Industry standards recommend that homeowners replace AC filters every 90 days.

Why You Should Choose Parker’s

As one of the Nashville area’s premier service providers, we look forward to delivering fast, dependable, and affordable care for whole-home HVAC. Our NATE-certified technicians approach every service with integrity and are trained to service all brands behind your heating and cooling with the same degree of expertise. It is our promise to Murfreesboro residents that you’ll never have to worry about unreliable AC again. See what our customers have to say before booking an HVAC appointment for your Murfreesboro home today!

Reliable AC is a call away at [site_info_phone_number]. Talk to a Parker’s Heating & Cooling pro now to schedule air conditioning repair, maintenance, or installation services in Murfreesboro, TN.

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