Hey guys!! I've got a problem with my central AC and need some advice.

One day last summer we discovered a couple gallons of water on the floor around the air handler. After some research, I cleaned the condensation tube and replaced the condensation pump. I didn't notice any leaking again for about a week, and then there was another large puddle around the unit. It was the end of the season so I put off the problem until now.

Today I turned the AC on for the first time this season and noticed frost forming on coils almost immediately. The coils appear very clean to me, so I’m thinking I might have a leak. The unit is only 15 years old and the air is still blowing hard and is cold. So, what do you guys think? Is there anything else I should try before calling a pro (WHICH I DREAD… not so much because it will cost me, but more so the fear of bringing a stranger into my house!!) Any idea what this service will cost?

Here's the PICs:



Thanks for the help! - Rick

 

It is likely that the system is low on charge. You will need to call a pro. It is a sealed system and does not consume refrigerant so if it is low then there is a leak somewhere.

 

Get them to clean the mold up in the unit when they come out

 

If it's low on charge, the coil should freeze starting from one side (the point at which the refrigerant enters).

When there isn't enough refrigerant to absorb the heat, it starts off below freezing but quickly warms up. Only prolonged operation can cause a system which is low on refrigerant to completely freeze.

If the entire coil frosts up right away, you most likely have an airflow problem.

A coil can look clean where the air exits even if it's very dirty.

A good tech should be able to tell what's going on immediately by checking the suction line (the larger insulated pipe) pressure and temperature.

 

Thanks for the responses.

Craziest thing happened, I had a Pro come by today and he couldn't find anything wrong!!! It was a family member of a close friend who has owned his HVAC buisness for 30+ years, so I know he knows his stuff. He monitored the system for about an hour and there was no freezing or observable problems.

I explained to him that I had replaced two relays in the air handler due to the blower running randomly, but I didn't think that could have anything to do with the freezing. He said he wasn't sure either, but wouldn't rule it out.

So, now I'm just running the AC normally and waiting to see what happens.

Hopefully, I lucked out.. - Rick

 

It's gonna happen again unless I reach 25 characters I can't post