If your air conditioner stops blowing cold air and you notice ice on the unit, you’re not alone. Many Kendall homeowners experience AC freezing issues due to the area’s high humidity. The heat and humidity in South Florida make your system work harder, and sometimes that causes it to freeze up.
The good news is that this problem is common and fixable. This guide explains the main reasons your AC freezes, how to fix it, and how to prevent it from happening again.
What It Means When Your AC Freezes Up
When your air conditioner freezes, the refrigerant inside the coils drops below the optimal temperature. The moisture in the air then turns into ice around the coils or lines. This stops the system from cooling and can damage the unit if not fixed quickly.
You might see:
- Ice forming on the indoor or outdoor unit
- Water dripping when the ice melts
- Weak or warm airflow from your vents
- The system running nonstop without cooling your home
If you notice these signs, turn off your AC immediately. Running the system while frozen can damage the compressor, which is an expensive part to replace.
Poor Airflow
Poor airflow is one of the main reasons an AC freezes up in Kendall. When air doesn’t move properly through the system, the coils get too cold and freeze.
Common causes of poor airflow include:
- Dirty air filters
- Blocked vents
- Closed dampers
- Dusty coils or fans
How to Fix It
- Replace your air filter every 30–60 days.
- Make sure vents and registers are open and clear.
- Check for dust or debris around the indoor unit.
- Schedule a professional cleaning once a year.
Proper airflow helps your system run efficiently and prevents ice buildup.
Low Refrigerant Levels
Your air conditioner needs refrigerant to absorb heat from the air. If it’s running low, pressure inside the coils drops, and the temperature can fall below freezing. This is a common reason for AC freezing in humid weather.
You might have a refrigerant leak if you notice:
- Hissing sounds near the unit
- Ice buildup on the refrigerant lines
- Longer cooling cycles
- Higher energy bills
How to Fix It
Refrigerant leaks require professional repair and should not be handled as a DIY task. A licensed Kendall AC Repair technician must find and seal the leak, then refill the system to the correct level.
If your system is older and has frequent leaks, it may be more cost-effective to replace it.
Dirty or Blocked Evaporator Coils
The evaporator coil is responsible for absorbing heat and cooling the air. Over time, dust and dirt stick to it. This buildup blocks heat transfer, causing the coil to get too cold and freeze.
How to Fix It
You can’t clean coils properly without removing the panels, so it’s best to call a professional. They’ll use special cleaning tools to remove buildup safely.
To prevent this issue:
- Keep filters clean.
- Schedule yearly maintenance.
- Keep indoor air quality high by dusting and vacuuming regularly.
Thermostat Problems
In some cases, the issue lies not with your AC but with the thermostat. If it doesn’t sense temperature correctly, it can cause the system to run too long and freeze.
This happens when:
- The thermostat is placed near a vent or window.
- It’s old or malfunctioning.
- The settings are too low.
How to Fix It
Try setting your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home and 82°F when you’re away. If your unit still freezes, check the batteries or upgrade to a smart thermostat that better controls humidity and temperature.
High Humidity Levels
Kendall experiences consistently high humidity, especially in the summer months. High moisture levels make your AC work harder to cool and dehumidify your home. This can overwhelm the system and lead to ice buildup.
When humidity is high, your AC might:
- Run longer cooling cycles
- Produce more condensation
- Struggle to keep indoor air dry
How to Fix It
Use a dehumidifier to lower indoor moisture. You can also run your ceiling fans to help air circulate. Keeping humidity below 50% helps your AC stay efficient and prevents freezing.
If your system freezes often during humid days, ask your technician about adding a humidity control system or upgrading to a unit with variable-speed technology.
Stay Cool and Prevent Future AC Freezes
Dealing with a frozen AC in Kendall’s humid weather is frustrating, but simple problems like airflow, humidity, or refrigerant issues usually cause it. Turning off your system and calling a trusted HVAC technician is the safest way to fix it.
To keep your AC working smoothly year-round, schedule regular maintenance and check your filters often. With proper care, your AC can withstand Kendall’s demanding climate and stay freeze-free year-round.
