Why Is My AC Coated in Ice? Diagnosing and Preventing Evaporator Coil Freeze-Up in New Orleans’ Humidity

October 30, 2025

When your air conditioner is running on a hot, sticky New Orleans afternoon, the last thing you expect to see is a block of ice forming on it. Yet, frozen AC coils are one of the most common summer emergencies homeowners face in Louisiana’s humid climate. If you’ve noticed frost or ice buildup on your indoor unit or refrigerant lines, your system could be struggling with airflow issues, low refrigerant, or excess moisture.

At JMB A/C & Heating LLC, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners across Chalmette, Meraux, and Violet restore cooling comfort after their systems froze solid in the middle of a humid night. The good news is that with quick attention and preventive maintenance, you can stop the freeze before it damages your system…or your wallet.

Let’s take a closer look at why this happens, how to identify the warning signs early, and what you can do to prevent it from happening again.

Why Does an AC Freeze in the First Place?

Your air conditioner works by circulating refrigerant through coils that absorb heat from indoor air. As warm air passes over these coils, the refrigerant inside them cools and condenses moisture out of the air, creating that refreshing chill you feel through your vents.

When everything is working properly, the temperature of the evaporator coil stays above freezing. However, when the balance between airflow, refrigerant, and humidity is disrupted, the coil can drop below 32 degrees. Once that happens, condensation on the coil begins to freeze—and the ice spreads quickly.

Here are the most common causes of coil freeze-up in the New Orleans area:

Restricted airflow: Clogged air filters, blocked vents, or dirty coils prevent warm air from moving over the evaporator coil. Without that air, the coil gets too cold and begins to freeze.
Low refrigerant: A leak in the refrigerant line causes pressure to drop, which also lowers the coil’s temperature below freezing.
Thermostat issues: A faulty thermostat that runs the system continuously without cycling off can cause the coil to freeze.
Drainage problems: When condensation cannot drain properly, excess moisture builds up on the coil and freezes.
High humidity: Louisiana’s humid climate accelerates condensation on the coils, making them more prone to icing.

When this happens, your system can no longer cool properly. You may notice reduced airflow, warm air from the vents, or water pooling around the air handler once the ice begins to melt.

Why New Orleans Homes Are Especially Vulnerable

The humidity in southeast Louisiana is a major factor in AC coil freeze-ups. Even when temperatures outside are moderate, moisture levels can remain extremely high. That excess moisture means your AC has to work harder to dehumidify the air, which increases the risk of condensation and freezing.

Homes and businesses in Chalmette, Meraux, and St. Bernard Parish often experience this problem because their systems run longer and more frequently during muggy weather. Without regular cleaning and maintenance, the coils become coated with dust and moisture that restrict airflow, setting the stage for ice buildup.

That’s why local homeowners rely on New Orleans AC coil freezing repair specialists like JMB A/C & Heating LLC. Our technicians understand how humidity affects cooling systems in coastal environments and know exactly how to adjust airflow, refrigerant charge, and drainage to prevent future freeze-ups.

What to Do if Your AC Is Frozen

If you see ice on your AC coil or refrigerant lines, it’s important not to panic — but don’t ignore it either. Continuing to run a frozen system can damage your compressor, one of the most expensive components of your HVAC system.

Here’s what you should do immediately:

Turn off the system: Switch your thermostat to “off” and the fan to “on.” This allows warm indoor air to circulate through the system and help melt the ice naturally.
Check your air filter: If it’s dirty or clogged, replace it right away. Poor airflow is one of the main causes of ice formation.
Inspect vents and returns: Make sure all air registers are open and unblocked by furniture or rugs.
Do not chip off the ice: This can damage delicate coil fins and cause refrigerant leaks. Let the ice melt completely before restarting the system.
Call for professional help: Once the ice melts, contact JMB A/C & Heating LLC for a full inspection and emergency HVAC service in St. Bernard Parish. We can identify the cause, recharge refrigerant if necessary, and restore proper airflow and performance.

Our team is available 24/7 for urgent service calls, so you never have to wait out a hot, humid night with a broken air conditioner.

The Dangers of Ignoring a Frozen Coil

It might be tempting to let your system thaw and hope the problem goes away, but ice buildup is always a symptom of a deeper issue. If the underlying cause isn’t fixed, it will happen again — and the damage can become costly.

Compressor failure: Low refrigerant and restricted airflow can overheat the compressor, leading to burnout.
Water damage: When the ice melts, it can overflow the drain pan and leak into walls or ceilings.
High utility bills: A frozen coil makes your system work harder, using more electricity while delivering less cooling.
Shortened system lifespan: Repeated freezing and thawing put unnecessary strain on your AC components.

Addressing the issue promptly saves you from expensive repairs down the line and keeps your home comfortable through every season.

Preventing AC Freeze-Ups in Humid Climates

In a high-humidity area like New Orleans, prevention is always the best solution. A routine HVAC maintenance plan for high humidity keeps your system clean, balanced, and performing efficiently all year long.

At JMB A/C & Heating LLC, our preventive maintenance services include:

Evaporator and condenser coil cleaning: Removes dust and debris that restrict airflow.
Refrigerant checks: Ensures proper levels for consistent cooling and humidity control.
Drain line flushing: Prevents water backup and mold growth inside your system.
Fan and blower inspection: Verifies that air is moving efficiently through your ducts.
Thermostat calibration: Keeps your system cycling correctly without overworking the compressor.

With regular tune-ups, you’ll not only avoid freeze-ups but also improve indoor air quality and lower your energy bills.

The JMB Difference: Expertise in Humid Climate HVAC Systems

What sets JMB A/C & Heating LLC apart is our hands-on experience working in the Gulf Coast’s toughest humidity conditions. Our technicians understand how condensation, salt air, and heat interact to wear down cooling systems faster than in drier regions.

When you call JMB, you’re getting:

Fast, 24/7 emergency repair service: We respond quickly anywhere in St. Bernard Parish, from Chalmette to Violet.
Accurate diagnostics: Our experts pinpoint the exact cause of the freeze rather than just defrosting your system and leaving.
Tailored humidity solutions: We design maintenance plans that account for New Orleans’ unique weather challenges, ensuring your system stays reliable all year.
Transparent communication: We’ll explain what went wrong, what it takes to fix it, and how to prevent it from happening again.

Why Routine Maintenance Is Essential

Scheduling routine maintenance might not seem urgent, but it’s the best way to avoid future emergencies. A small issue like a dirty coil or clogged drain can snowball into a major breakdown if ignored. Regular service helps:

Keep your system’s efficiency high.
Prevent refrigerant leaks.
Catch airflow problems early.
Extend your equipment’s lifespan.

Our HVAC maintenance plan for high humidity is designed specifically for New Orleans homeowners. It includes seasonal inspections, priority scheduling for service calls, and discounts on parts and labor. This plan ensures your system is always ready to handle Louisiana’s unpredictable weather.

Signs You Need Professional Help

If your air conditioner is showing any of these signs, it’s time to call for professional service:

Ice or frost on indoor or outdoor components.
Warm air blowing from vents.
Unusually high humidity inside the home.
Rising energy bills with no clear reason.
Strange hissing or bubbling sounds from the refrigerant line.

These symptoms usually mean your system is struggling to balance airflow or refrigerant pressure. Our technicians can perform a complete inspection, locate leaks or blockages, and restore optimal performance before the problem escalates.

Restore Comfort with the Experts at JMB A/C & Heating

Humidity is part of life in southern Louisiana, but frozen air conditioners don’t have to be. Whether you need New Orleans AC coil freezing repair or full emergency HVAC service in St. Bernard Parish, JMB A/C & Heating LLC has you covered. Our experienced team knows how to keep your system running efficiently despite the humidity, saving you from costly repairs and high energy bills.

Call us anytime, day or night, for fast, reliable service. And if you’re ready to prevent the next freeze before it happens, ask about our HVAC maintenance plan for high humidity. It’s the simplest way to protect your comfort, your investment, and your peace of mind all year long.

At JMB A/C & Heating, we keep New Orleans homes cool, dry, and worry-free, one system at a time.

Categorised in: AC Repair, Air Conditioner