Central Air System Freezing

[fbrdphreak]

Originally posted by: QuitBanningMe
Also go look and see if the compressor (outside) is sweating if possible.

I'll take a looksie, thanks

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: Pepsi90919
low pressure causes ice because the refrigerant changes from liquid to vapour too early on in the cycle.

Thanks. That makes sense.

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
Also, for the past couple weeks we had some of our downstairs air vents closed to direct more air upstairs. The system never blew air very well (replaced filter when we moved in 2 months ago) and so we wanted more airflow upstairs. Would this have caused any problem? I thought I read something about blocked air outlets or something....

Ah!

That could be it, if blocking those air vents causes less air flow over the evaporator.

 

[QuitBanningMe]

Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
Also, for the past couple weeks we had some of our downstairs air vents closed to direct more air upstairs. The system never blew air very well (replaced filter when we moved in 2 months ago) and so we wanted more airflow upstairs. Would this have caused any problem? I thought I read something about blocked air outlets or something....

not likely

 

[dartworth]

Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
Also, for the past couple weeks we had some of our downstairs air vents closed to direct more air upstairs. The system never blew air very well (replaced filter when we moved in 2 months ago) and so we wanted more airflow upstairs. Would this have caused any problem? I thought I read something about blocked air outlets or something....

negative

 

[Eli]

So closing air vents will never reduce airflow over the evaporator ?

 

[fbrdphreak]

http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/fbrdphreak/DSCN1153.JPG

This is what I have access to; those radiator fins. Are those what I'm supposed to clean?

Other than that, I don't see any type of coils.

 

[fbrdphreak]

Those look like coils, sitting in front of the radiator fins

THe whole radiator fin assembly is directly below the air handler and is above the air filter

http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/fbrdphreak/DSCN1156.JPG

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/fbrdphreak/DSCN1153.JPG

This is what I have access to; those radiator fins. Are those what I'm supposed to clean?

Other than that, I don't see any type of coils.

That is the evaporator.

Just think of it like the radiator in your car. Or your CPU's heatsink. Except that it gets cold.

Make sure it's clean to ensure adequate air flow.

 

[fbrdphreak]

Originally posted by: QuitBanningMe
Also go look and see if the compressor (outside) is sweating if possible.

BTW, if I see this what does that mean?

 

[JEDI]

i havent cleaned the compressor fins since i bought my house 10 years ago.

what do i need to buy to clean it?

 

[mchammer]

I would use a vaccuum to clean it. Be careful not to bend the fins. Then make sure to change the filter every three months, it is not good to run without it. Plus make sure enough of the vents are open.

 

[mchammer]

Originally posted by: JEDI
i havent cleaned the compressor fins since i bought my house 10 years ago.

what do i need to buy to clean it?

I know in my house it is sealed inside the duct and impossible to get to. Oh well.

 

[Eli]

There sure is a lot of mineral buildup on it.. Wouldn't that be undesirable at best?

It would just hinder energy transfer.

Maybe give it a good thorough cleaning with some CLR?

 

[QuitBanningMe]

Originally posted by: fbrdphreak

Originally posted by: QuitBanningMe
Also go look and see if the compressor (outside) is sweating if possible.

BTW, if I see this what does that mean?

Cold suction line and a sweating compressor indicates the evaporator is flooded with refrigerent. This is most likely caused by improper airflow (dirty coils/ filter)

 

[fbrdphreak]

It kind of looks like that alright. Gonna take some kind of abrasive cleaner to it and see what is what

Also gonna pick up an air filter tomorrow to replace the soaked one

Then I guess tomorrow night we'll give it another go and call a professional after that. may even just call one to check things out; who knows

i hate stupid sh!t that doesn't work the way its supposed to :|

EDIT Referring to Eli's comment on the evaporator

 

[fbrdphreak]

Thanks for all the info guys. Gonna hit the sack now and I'll update this thread when I know more

Night ATOT!