A/C Icing

[JNyk_78253]

The kids called me at work saying it was hot upstairs. I checked the AC and found ice on one of the pipes outside and ice one of the pipes inside the AC closet. I changed the filter about one month ago and we went on vacation and turned the AC up, so the use was limited for two weeks. There was dirt on the filter, but I have seen more. I turned the AC off and changed the filter. Could it be as simple as the filter only? Any assistance would be appreciated.

[mattison]

How's it running since you changed the filter? I don't think the filter is the culprit on ths one unless it is one of those high efficiency filters with a high merv rating. If it's the .99 cent filters your coil could be dirty.

Changing the filter and maybe cleaning the indoor coil is about as far as the homeowner can go on a freeze up. The next step is for a tech to check charge.

Also make sure the outdoor unit shuts off when you turn the temp up on the stat.

[hiltontech]

I agree with mattison on all points, the only thing I would like to add is that you check the copper lines coming from your unit, the larger copper line should be cold and wet while the smaller one warm, if the large copper line isn't cold it could be low on charge but I'm not sure being I'm not on site.
Let us know what you find out.

[JNyk_78253]

How's it running since you changed the filter? I don't think the filter is the culprit on ths one unless it is one of those high efficiency filters with a high merv rating. If it's the .99 cent filters your coil could be dirty.

Changing the filter and maybe cleaning the indoor coil is about as far as the homeowner can go on a freeze up. The next step is for a tech to check charge.

Also make sure the outdoor unit shuts off when you turn the temp up on the stat.

Mattison,

Thanks for the reply. The culprit was the dirty filter. I recently changed from the cheap filter to the more durable paper/fiber filter. This is a good filter, but needs to be changed more frequently since it hasn't rained here in 41 days...more dust in the air and subsequently dirtier filter.
I had a tech come out and check the system anyway since it hasn't been checked since the house was built and it was installed new in 2000. After a quick check of the system for coolant, running the heat for about five minutes to melt the snowdrift, then rinsing of my outside unit and $59.00 service fee, the tech was gone. No kiss, but he did mention he would be back to replace a contactor in about a year...its a date.
Again, thanks for the reply.

Nyk

[JNyk_78253]

Hiltontech,

Thanks for the reply. The culprit was the dirty filter. I recently changed from the cheap filter to the more durable paper/fiber filter. This is a good filter, but needs to be changed more frequently since it hasn't rained here in 41 days...more dust in the air and subsequently dirtier filter.
I had a tech come out and check the system anyway since it hasn't been checked since the house was built and it was installed new in 2000. After a quick check of the system for coolant, running the heat for about five minutes to melt the snowdrift, then rinsing of my outside unit and $59.00 service fee, the tech was gone. No kiss, but he did mention he would be back to replace a contactor in about a year...its a date.
Again, thanks for the reply.

Nyk

[hvac01453]

I don't know of anyone doing a service call that cheap... He won't be in business very long at those rates.