A-COIL covered with ICE!
#1
A-COIL covered with ICE!
Would somebody please be kind enough to tell me the most likely cause of this? The ice got so thick that no air could pass through the coil. The unit was just charged a few days ago. Too much freon maybe, or posibly just too much humidity?
Thanks much.
Thanks much.
#2
the A coil usually has a thermal sensing copper bulb clamped to the main pipe [i think it's on the inlet, can't remember] and wrapped with insulation tape so as not to get a false reading from the surrounding air. this bulb expands internally to meter flow of freon thru the core.
cores can ice up if the flow is incorrect.
unfortunately, the bulb is mounted inside the box and can't be seen without removing the face[not easy on most setups] and unless the insul. tape has fallen off or the bulb clamp has come loose, the A coil is due for replacement.[the bulbs connecting tube is welded to the A coil]
this is a worst case senario and i don't recommend it without a pro checkout. usually a over charge of freon reduces overall efficiency but i haven't heard of it icing the core.
possibly, if the A core is clogged with dust and debris, this can hold moisture on the core [i have heard of sliding the A coil out to clean with the lines connected] but still, the bulbs job is to sense temp and adjust for max efficiency. also, newer coils have a expansion valve to better meter flow for extra efficiency but the problem still comes back to access for inspection of the coil and metering components.
just my two cents worth.
cores can ice up if the flow is incorrect.
unfortunately, the bulb is mounted inside the box and can't be seen without removing the face[not easy on most setups] and unless the insul. tape has fallen off or the bulb clamp has come loose, the A coil is due for replacement.[the bulbs connecting tube is welded to the A coil]
this is a worst case senario and i don't recommend it without a pro checkout. usually a over charge of freon reduces overall efficiency but i haven't heard of it icing the core.
possibly, if the A core is clogged with dust and debris, this can hold moisture on the core [i have heard of sliding the A coil out to clean with the lines connected] but still, the bulbs job is to sense temp and adjust for max efficiency. also, newer coils have a expansion valve to better meter flow for extra efficiency but the problem still comes back to access for inspection of the coil and metering components.
just my two cents worth.
#3
Most likely cause is restricted air flow.
Check filter and eavporator coil for dirt and clean as needed.
If you do a search in this forum for frozen/ice/evaporator/no cooling,you should finds lots of information about the exact symptoms you are describing.
Good luck and let us know how it's going or if you have more questions.
Check filter and eavporator coil for dirt and clean as needed.
If you do a search in this forum for frozen/ice/evaporator/no cooling,you should finds lots of information about the exact symptoms you are describing.
Good luck and let us know how it's going or if you have more questions.
#5
i'm amazed at how much icing problems occur because of lack of proper air flow thru the A coil. in the automotive industry, icing is frequently due to a evaporator [similar to A coil in operation]sensor not shutting down compressor operation if evap gets too cold.
live and learn.
live and learn.
#6
An undercharged system can cause the a coil to freeze. This will happen anytime the a-coil is cooled below 32 degres. You said it was just charged though, I will assume it was charged correctly. Some systems (10 seer and less I think but not always) will only have a simple orifice for the metering device. You can't see it, it is in line with the a-coil where the liquid line enters(smaller line of the 2). Not much you can do about it. So I would check for good airflow coming into the unit (filter), and also see if the coil is clean. If the unit was run without a filter for some reason at one time, good chance the coil is covered with crud. Bad thing. other causes, maybe blower motor going bad, not moving enough air, or the system was charged correctly but a leak exist.
Not an expert, but thats what I'd do.....
Not an expert, but thats what I'd do.....
#7
Just trying to help. Not an HVAC pro, but I am an engineer. (Which means I will probably make your problem worse.)
The most common cause of this problem is.
1- The inside coil is dirty.
2- The outside coil is dirty.
3- Some other restriction in air flow - filter/s etc...
4- Low freon.
5- Strainer on return line (outside).
6- Sensor (inside).
Hope this helps.
God Bless,
George
The most common cause of this problem is.
1- The inside coil is dirty.
2- The outside coil is dirty.
3- Some other restriction in air flow - filter/s etc...
4- Low freon.
5- Strainer on return line (outside).
6- Sensor (inside).
Hope this helps.
God Bless,
George