We've lived in our house for three summers and have never had any problems with the air conditioner. Today I noticed that there was ice on the coolant return line outside the house. I didn't think anything of it. Later in the day (now), the system had shut off. Even though the temperature in the house was much higher than the thermostat setting, neither the air blower nor the fan in the AC unit outside was running. I've read that the ice on the lines may mean that the system is low on coolant. Will simply having the coolant recharged fix the problem? Do I just need to wait for something to thaw? ice usually means either your air handler isn't pushing enough air across the coil, or your system is out of refrigerant. so first step is to set the cool/off switch to off. then set your fan switch to on. if the air handler fan does not turn on, then you have a problem with your air handler or thermostat. possibly something you can fix yourself. otherwise, you probably have a problem with refrigerant (which should not deplete, and if it does then you have a leak somewhere) or your compressor.

in either case, you should leave your system off to avoid damaging your compressor until someone can come out and look at it. A frozen suction line is generally more indicative of poor evaporator coil airflow rather than being low on charge. Before you jump into checking pressures or troubleshooting the furnace/condenser controls, check to make sure your furnace fan is providing proper airflow, the filter is clean and the coil(s) are clean. This is a long shot but check your electrical panel and make sure the circuit breaker for the air conditioner is not tripped. I think the air conditioner unit will be on its own circuit separate from the blower that circulates air throughout your house (at least that is how it is set up in my house). If the air conditioner circuit is tripped, then the AC unit will not go on but still you will be hearing your blower and think everything is working. I would check airflow. Have you closed and air vents, is any furniture blocking vents, has any work been done to the ducts, is the filter dirty, is the evaporate coil dirty, is the blower wheel dirty, is the blower spinning at the right speed.

Once those things have been confirmed, THEN you check your refrigerant. 70% of the service calls for iced evaporators are from dirty filters/ restricted airflow AND/OR low on charge. Also check for any restrictions in the liquid line (small copper) such as a pinch or Kink. Feel if the line is hot before the kink and cool after. Service and Maintenance are generally based on how good your observations are. My problem was a bad run capacitor for the blower, With the air handling unit fan (blower) not running properly this caused my suction line to freeze up.Browse other questions tagged air-conditioning heat-pump or ask your own question.Capacitor Failure Symptoms are sometime harder to identify without the right tools and expertise. Capacitors can be found in several different sizes and shapes. There may be one or multiple capacitors included in your ac with regards to the design. While the most popular capacitors are the types found on circuit boards, the ones most associated with air conditioning will be the bigger capacitors that assist start and run your motors.

There are several motors present in an conditioner and heater systems: Compressor Motor Run Capacitor: Here is the most popular capacitor that fails. ac unit has high head pressureMost of the time these are duel capacitors, which means that there are 2 capacitors built into one. smart window ac unitA duel capacitor will have three terminals on the top where a single capacitor will simply have two terminals on top.why does an ac unit freeze up Outside Fan Motor Run Capacitor: That is the smaller capacitor found with or part of the Compressor Motor Capacitor. It helps start and run the outside fan that blows air through the outside coils. Indoor Blower Motor Run Capacitor: Similar to the outdoor fan motor capacitor, it is a small, single (two terminals) capacitor that will help start and run the indoor blower motor.

Start Capacitor: Some models include an auxiliary start capacitor that helps jump start the motors. Most are found on the compressor. These are less common. Why do capacitors go bad When capacitors go south, they either go out entirely or they decline in strength. The decline is measured in the “capacitance” units called micro farads. When the capacitors are produced, they are labeled with their specifications capacitance and a range +/- from the design capacitance. This range is the allowable operating range, usually labeled in a percentage range, for the capacitor. If the capacitor starts to fail, the capacitance measured will be outside of the labeled range. Sometimes these are difficult to find any symptoms unless you have the proper tools. Warning, there is a risk of severe shock, so do not try this at home. Diagnosing a bad capacitor If a capacitor goes out completely, or is severely out of its operating range, it may prevent the motor affiliated with it from running completely.

If the compressor motor is not working, then the air conditioner will not cool. If the outside fan is not working the compressor may cause problems and will short cycle or cease working. If the indoor fan stops, you’ll find that there is no air blowing through the vents. For Quick, Honest and Affordable Service, call Alexander Heating and Air Conditioning Raleigh Air Conditioner Repair Holly Springs Air Conditioner Repair Rate this:Share this:Like this: Answers to your HVAC QuestionsSometimes what’s wrong with your air conditioning and heating system really doesn’t require the service of an expert repair person. Here are some common troubleshooting tips to go over before you call for a repair. A/C Not Cooling or Blowing? Check circuit breakers at fuse box. The outdoor condenser unit and indoor air handler unit have their own breaker. Even if breakers appear to be in the correct position, they are often tripped. Flip circuit breaker off and back on.

Indoor A/C Unit Leaking Water? If the unit is leaking water one of three possible things has occurred Drain line is plugged. Check to see if your A/C drain line outside your home is draining properly. If it is not you can clear it by attaching a wet vacuum to the outside. Evaporator coil is dirty. Dirt, mold, and algae are growing on your coil causing it to drip> Coil is frozen with ice. Your A/C is probably low on freon. You will need to turn off the A/C and call for service. A/C Fan Runs Continuously? Make sure your thermostat is set to the “Auto” position. A/C Runs,Won’t Cool Below 78 degrees Your A/C is possibly low on freon Your ductwork in the attic is leaking Your A/C is old and inefficient and can not keep up with the heat load Your air conditioner is under sized for the heat load demand Are Some Rooms Warmer than Others? In the warmer room, make sure the vent is open or open it further. If this does not resolve the problem, the situation is the result of one of the following three conditions.

The ductwork was not sized properly The system needs to be balanced by adjusting the air flow dampers in the grills The ductwork has come apart and is leaking cool air into the attic. Thermostat Not Registering Correct Temperature? A temperature reading of within three (3) degrees up or down is considered normal. New digital thermostats are more accurate. Musty or Mildew Odor? Your ductwork got wet and is giving off a musty odor or it’s possibly growing mold. No filters were used and the ductwork is dirty and growing mold. No filters or wrong filters were used and evaporator coil is plugged up with algae, fungus, mold and bacteria. Drain pan is full of algae, fungus, mold and bacteria. Call for service and schedule an extensive 21-point Breathe Green Tune-Up When Do A/C Filters Need Cleaning? A/C filters should be kept clean or replaced monthly.You should be using filters with a minimum MERV rating of 8 or higher. Please visit our section on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ).

As dirt, debris, pollen and spores accumulates on your coil over time it will grow fungus, mold and bacteria. This build-up will restrict your air flow and cause you to have less cooling throughout your house and, at the same time, increase your electric bill. The bacteria and mold spores will circulate through your entire home and possibly affect your allergies and your health.The only way to fix this problem is to have the coil professionally cleaned. Why Should I Choose a Programmable Thermostat? Most programmable thermostats are capable of four different time and temperature settings. A programmable thermostat will reduce your power bill by fluctuating temperature settings while you are at work, away or asleep.We highly recommend this product. Is a yearly Tune-Up necessary? All A/C units should be maintained at least once per year. Burning Smell on Heat Mode? Check the circuit breakers at fuse box. Please note that when using your heat for the first time in cool weather, you may smell a slight burning odor.

Dust has accumulated over the months and is burning off the heating coils. This is normal and should last no more than 30 minutes. No Heat Coming Out of the System? Make sure the heating temperature is set above the room temperature. Check to make sure the thermostat is set to “Heat” and “Auto” position. Flip your circuit breaker off and back on. Some units can take 60 to 90 seconds before the heat cycle turns on. If you’ve allowed ample time and still no heat, turn your thermostat to the “OFF” position and call for service. Heat From System is Not Warm Enough? Make sure the temperature is set above the room temperature. As air circulates through the system, repeatedly, it will get warmer. If you have had your heat on for over 3 hours and it’s still not getting warm you need to call for service. Make sure the thermostat is set to the “Auto” position. If the actual temperature is above the temperature set, call for service. If the actual temperature is below the temperature set, the heat will continue to run until it reaches the temperature for which it is set.