By the Comfortable LLC team · June 18, 2026 · AC Repair
It sounds strange, but a frozen air conditioner is one of the most common problems we see during a Mid-South summer. If you have spotted ice on the copper lines or the indoor coil, your system is telling you something is wrong — and running it that way can turn a small fix into a compressor replacement.
What makes an AC freeze up?
Ice forms when the coil gets too cold, and that almost always traces back to one of two things: restricted airflow or low refrigerant.
1. Restricted airflow (the usual culprit)
A dirty air filter is the number-one cause. When air can't move across the coil, the coil temperature drops below freezing and condensation turns to ice. Closed or blocked supply vents, a dirty blower wheel, or a clogged return can do the same thing. The good news: this one is often a DIY fix.
2. Low refrigerant
A refrigerant leak lowers the pressure in the coil, which also drops the temperature and causes freezing. This is not a DIY fix — refrigerant is regulated, and simply "topping it off" without finding the leak just delays the failure.
3. Other causes
A failing blower motor, a stuck contactor, or running the AC on an unusually cool night can all contribute.
What to do right now
- Turn the AC off at the thermostat, but switch the fan to ON. Running the blower helps the ice melt faster.
- Check and replace your air filter if it's dirty.
- Give it time to thaw — a fully iced system can take a few hours. Don't chip at the ice.
- Once thawed, try running it again. If it freezes back up, it's time to call a pro.
When to call Comfortable LLC
If a fresh filter doesn't solve it, or you suspect a refrigerant leak, don't keep running the system — you risk damaging the compressor, the most expensive part of your AC. Our team handles AC repair across Collierville, Germantown, and Memphis, and we offer 24/7 emergency service when a July breakdown can't wait. A regular tune-up catches most freeze-ups before they start.