Air Conditioning - Frozen Coils?

The A/C was making a funny noise coming from the return vent. I thought it may be dripping water as that happened once before. Anyway, there were a couple of drip spots but nothing much. When I looked up to see if there was any leaks, the coils, or whatever is there looked like they were covered in snow.

The A/C is working okay so far.

In a central air system (at least the one I have), the air is pulled over the cooling coils. When the air isn't sufficiently dry, moisture will condense and freeze on the coils, making them much less efficient...eventually could block the entire air exchange. This happens on my furnace when it's REALLY humid in the summer, and the A/C has to run a lot. Not sure what to do about it, other than keep an eye on it, and turn down the A/C if it really starts to ice up. Another option is to also use a dehumidifier to help take some more moisture out of the air.

I'm sure the experts here have a better explanation!

Coils should not freeze, no matter how humid. The top causes are poor air flow (dirty coils or filters) or low freon (leaking system). Again, Ice on the coils is not normal and can lead to compressor damage.

I decided to treat myself and get a new unit. The air handler is almost 10 yrs and the compressor about 16, plus it's only a 10 seer.

It's probably time. Systems that old tend to experience frequent breakdowns, usually on the hottest days.

Jo Ann Id say also geet a new one for sure. most of the time 15 years is the end of a AC set up. Dont forget with the cost of power going up all the time . Go for a seer of 15 or more you can also get a tax credit for one of 15seer or over. You dont say what its on but if you go with a new furnace and AC you can get a 10 year warranty on it all Make sure to go for a V/S blower on the unit. For sure get 3 bids for the job

Hi Ed,

I got a quote yesterday on a 16 sheer, 2 stage 4-ton with a 10-10 on parts and labor. Waiting, as I type, for my second quote person to arrive. I think the 10-10 from the first will be hard to beat.

We are having a standby generator installed (15KW) and now I'm wondering if that is enough power to turn on a 4-ton A/C. ???

Any Thoughts on that?