Gas and Oil Home Heating Furnaces - Attic Unit Frozen
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09-14-01, 03:16 PM
I've read both recent postings regarding frozen units & understand it may be due to low coolant &/or airflow. I'm presuming it is low coolant since I just cleaned the filter 2 days ago. I have had at least 15 power surges today due to the tropical storm Gabrielle that went through the Tampa area today. Could this somehow be a factor? There was condensation on my hallway intake vent grill. When I released the grill cover there was a great deal of very cold air in the dead space above the filter. Is this unusual? It was suggested in a previous posting to turn the fan to 'on' only to defrost the unit quicker. I am unable to do this because my fan control has a separate switch on the thermostat from the cool/heat/emergency. When I turn the switch to cool I can hear the outside unit running but not the attic unit. How long should it take the unit to defrost? Can you give me an idea of cost to have a repairman service the unit? I am unemployed, single-mother & don't have alot of $$$ right now. Also, the attic unit is no more than 3 years old & has not been serviced since installation. Not sure of the make & model. Thanks.
renhoek
09-14-01, 07:26 PM
ummm, ---note that I only reply because there hasn't been another reply yet... I don't want to upset antone.....
1... so, then... with a new filter it still does this?... so, maybe your inside coils are clogged with gunk, and the humidity has caused it to get thicker, and block more airway..... you may need to unscrew the panel right after the place where the fane blows the air..., in order to look at it, and use a toilet brush to scrape it cleaner..., ,,, this will at least give it air flow back again, so don't worry about getting it really clean, but you could see if it has a buildup there that's blocking.... I have seen a coil or two that looks like a board from all the fuzz... --in which case you could use your hands to remve it... but this is only an idea, i wish not to steal any thunder from others....
1... so, then... with a new filter it still does this?... so, maybe your inside coils are clogged with gunk, and the humidity has caused it to get thicker, and block more airway..... you may need to unscrew the panel right after the place where the fane blows the air..., in order to look at it, and use a toilet brush to scrape it cleaner..., ,,, this will at least give it air flow back again, so don't worry about getting it really clean, but you could see if it has a buildup there that's blocking.... I have seen a coil or two that looks like a board from all the fuzz... --in which case you could use your hands to remve it... but this is only an idea, i wish not to steal any thunder from others....
CoolBreeze
09-14-01, 10:08 PM
Hi,
You stated you could not hear your attic unit running. If it isn't running,this is most likely cause of freezing or at least the first place to start. Have you checked your breaker for Furnace/Air Handler to see if it tripped due to power surges? Make sure filter(s) are clean,Evaporator Coil is clean,Fan/Blower motor running,squirrel cage/Blower Wheel is clean,ALL ductwork connected/not kinked anywhere.If all these are ok,then you'll have to call a contractor to check refrigerant level.Please keep us posted as to what you find. Take Care and Best Wishes.
CoolBreeze---- P.S.-- renhoek,it's clear here,no Thunder,lightening,rain or anything.Your advice is welcomed as previously stated.The only person offended is the homeowner,IF,you keep your knowledge to yourself. Just like "Motel-6",we'll leave the light on for you.Take Care.
You stated you could not hear your attic unit running. If it isn't running,this is most likely cause of freezing or at least the first place to start. Have you checked your breaker for Furnace/Air Handler to see if it tripped due to power surges? Make sure filter(s) are clean,Evaporator Coil is clean,Fan/Blower motor running,squirrel cage/Blower Wheel is clean,ALL ductwork connected/not kinked anywhere.If all these are ok,then you'll have to call a contractor to check refrigerant level.Please keep us posted as to what you find. Take Care and Best Wishes.
CoolBreeze---- P.S.-- renhoek,it's clear here,no Thunder,lightening,rain or anything.Your advice is welcomed as previously stated.The only person offended is the homeowner,IF,you keep your knowledge to yourself. Just like "Motel-6",we'll leave the light on for you.Take Care.