What causes an air conditioner to freeze?

by cloudman on August 12th, 2011

For some reason I have been under the impression that when an AC freezes up that it might be indicative of a problem with the refrigerant level or refrigerant pressure. Am I wrong?

Yours Truly,
Cloudman

Comments

That is certainly one reason. When refrigerant leaks out the pressure drops causing the temperature to drop below freezing and the condensation freezes.
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by Weylon on August 13th, 2011
Thanks. I vaguely remember hearing that from someone long ago. I suppose to most people it would not sound logical.

Cloudman
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by cloudman on August 14th, 2011
Most truths do not sound logical. :)
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by Weylon on August 14th, 2011
I remember living in a duplex many years ago where we constantly had the outside unit freeze. We would turn it off for a while and poor water on it. Never really thought much about why if froze up.

http://www.warmair.com/html/AirConditioningFreezeUp.shtml
1 - Insufficient air flow
2 - Refrigerant charge
3 - Outdoor temperature

Weylon, do you work on Air Conditioners or do you know much about Air Conditioners?
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by Texasescimo on November 19th, 2011
I actually worked on Air Conditioners for a few years. Feel free to ask any questions.
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by Weylon on November 20th, 2011
Thanks Weylon. I had a major ordeal with a Carrier Infinity that we bought a little over 5 years ago. It never worked right until about a month or so ago. Very long story. Mostly due to insufficient return and insufficient supply. Static pressure was 1.2 on High Cool with a clean filter. I might have a few questions about Carrier extended warranties later as I understand that they have 2 types.
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by Texasescimo on November 20th, 2011