An air conditioner and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. The air conditioner is able to operate in an efficient cooling cycle while simultaneously guaranteeing superior cooling performance in a low-temperature operation region. In the air conditioner, an airflow directing apparatus, which is installed in an outdoor unit, suppresses not only natural convection of the air, but also heat exchange between the condenser and outdoor air by the blowing fan, such that the air conditioner forms a normal cooling cycle by guaranteeing condenser pressure. The air conditioner guarantees cooling performance of a low-temperature operation region by adjusting the amount of outdoor air flowing through blade control of the airflow directing apparatus, and operates in an efficient cooling cycle, resulting in acquisition of compressor reliability.