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Started By
Message
Had ac problems
Posted on 8/5/19 at 9:54 am
Posted on 8/5/19 at 9:54 am
Yesterday evening, I noticed the ac wasn't cooling like it should be. 
First thing this morning, I attacked it.
First problem which wasn't to bad, cleaned the outside coils. Had a little grass.
Second problem. Went up in the attic for a inspection with the unit running. This system was installed in July 2013. Found that I had a couple leaks on the discharge side. A roll of AC tape which I had made a quick fix. $18 for a roll. There are cheaper stuff, but you get what you pay for. Never use the cheap stuff.
Third problem.
The coils were frozen over. Two reasons for this problem. First was, we been keeping all bedroom doors closed due to the new pup. So the system wasn't getting air flow like it should. Second part of the problem, the main coil drain line plugged up. Been two years from the last time I clean that.
To get the coil to defrost, I hooked up a hose to the house washer hot water side. From there, I had washed the coils and washed out the drain line.
So, hope this helps others for some things you can do if your ac system starts acting up. My system is now cooling it's arse off like it should.
First thing this morning, I attacked it.
First problem which wasn't to bad, cleaned the outside coils. Had a little grass.
Second problem. Went up in the attic for a inspection with the unit running. This system was installed in July 2013. Found that I had a couple leaks on the discharge side. A roll of AC tape which I had made a quick fix. $18 for a roll. There are cheaper stuff, but you get what you pay for. Never use the cheap stuff.
Third problem.
The coils were frozen over. Two reasons for this problem. First was, we been keeping all bedroom doors closed due to the new pup. So the system wasn't getting air flow like it should. Second part of the problem, the main coil drain line plugged up. Been two years from the last time I clean that. To get the coil to defrost, I hooked up a hose to the house washer hot water side. From there, I had washed the coils and washed out the drain line.
So, hope this helps others for some things you can do if your ac system starts acting up. My system is now cooling it's arse off like it should.
6
Posted on 8/5/19 at 10:10 am to fishfighter
A drain line will not cause freezing, you may freeze again.
Better check air filter and Freon levels.
Closing doors are probably not the problem either. Most have a crack at the bottom for air flow.
This post was edited on 8/5/19 at 10:13 am
Posted on 8/5/19 at 10:13 am to fishfighter
Fish, you had leaks in your air handler that you sealed up or supply ducts that were leaking on the supply (discharge) side? My HVAC tech when he came out to conduct presentative maintenance on my unit in May put the anti-algae/anti-microbial tablets in the evaporator coil primary drain pan to prevent/minimize clogging of the primary drain pan line. You using those those?
Many people don’t release the importance of keeping doors open in the house to so as to not to restrict air flow to the HVAC return plenum and its importance in HVAC operation and cooling efficiency, unless of course you have return air vents or jumper vents in the rooms whose doors are being kept closed. I for one do not.
Thanks for sharing - all good information.
Many people don’t release the importance of keeping doors open in the house to so as to not to restrict air flow to the HVAC return plenum and its importance in HVAC operation and cooling efficiency, unless of course you have return air vents or jumper vents in the rooms whose doors are being kept closed. I for one do not.
Thanks for sharing - all good information.
This post was edited on 8/5/19 at 10:17 am
Posted on 8/5/19 at 10:53 am to ItzMe1972
quote:
Closing doors are probably not the problem either. Most have a crack at the bottom for air flow.
Good point on the crack at the bottom of doors for return air flow to the return plenum though but I suppose if you have a high shag carpet that could impede air flow under the door - shouldn’t be an issue with wood or tile floors.
Fish, if your unit was installed in 2013, 6 years old, I get impression from reading, HVAC videos, HVAC technical boards that it’s not uncommon for “newer” system evaporator coils to start leaking at that age, hence low refrigerant levels and freezing coil issues. The old HVAC techs say evaporator coils are not as robust as in the old days, plus the new refrigerants mandated by the government operate at higher pressures which might contribute to leakage issues. Hope that’s not an issue for you.
Posted on 8/5/19 at 12:00 pm to ItzMe1972
quote:
A drain line will not cause freezing, you may freeze again.
Oh yes it will.
Sitting water on the coils will freeze. AC has been working fine now. 
Posted on 8/5/19 at 12:02 pm to CrawDude
I used some bleach and hot water to clean things.
My leaks were on the air handle discharge side. Good Hvac tape fixed that quick.
My leaks were on the air handle discharge side. Good Hvac tape fixed that quick.
Posted on 8/5/19 at 4:27 pm to fishfighter
(no message)
This post was edited on 8/5/19 at 4:28 pm
Posted on 8/5/19 at 5:03 pm to fishfighter
Sorry to hijack the thread, but do any of y'all know what could cause low airflow? I checked my ducts and there doesnt appear to be any leaks. It seems like air flow is better at night and worse after the unit has been running a long time
Posted on 8/5/19 at 5:39 pm to fishfighter
Freon is low you have a small leak
Posted on 8/5/19 at 7:10 pm to fishfighter
Dude you’re clueless. Wow
Posted on 8/5/19 at 8:12 pm to Hamma1122
quote:
Dude you’re clueless. Wow
Dude, you are clueless. System has been working fine all day as it was before any trouble.
Posted on 8/5/19 at 8:48 pm to fishfighter
Did you mean duct sealing tape?
I’d agree with getting your system pressure checked. It’s a closed system, if you lost Freon you are likely low and that contributed to your freezing up along with the other issues.
I’d agree with getting your system pressure checked. It’s a closed system, if you lost Freon you are likely low and that contributed to your freezing up along with the other issues.
Posted on 8/5/19 at 8:58 pm to fishfighter
quote:
System has been working fine all day as it was before any trouble
Until it freezes up again. It shouldn't be at freezing temps at your evaporator coil. Your refrigerant is likely low or you have poor air flow.
This post was edited on 8/5/19 at 9:01 pm
Posted on 8/5/19 at 9:42 pm to Delacroix
quote:Restrictions of air going across the coils in your air handler.
do any of y'all know what could cause low airflow?
Could be dirty coils or ice forming on them from problems like fish was having.
Call an ac company to come clean the coil and check the pressures.
Posted on 8/6/19 at 6:48 am to Hamma1122
I did clean the coils and the system is working fine even running it at 68F all night. All good here. A lot was due to restricted air flow and not draining.
I have a HVAC buddy that I will call for him just to check the Freon. But I am 99% sure it is good.
When I built this house, I had did a lot of extras to seal it up. If I leave a door with a 6" gap open and the ac kicks on, that door will slam shut.
I have a HVAC buddy that I will call for him just to check the Freon. But I am 99% sure it is good.
When I built this house, I had did a lot of extras to seal it up. If I leave a door with a 6" gap open and the ac kicks on, that door will slam shut.
Posted on 8/6/19 at 7:52 am to ItzMe1972
quote:
A drain line will not cause freezing
Sure it will.
Posted on 8/6/19 at 12:00 pm to fishfighter
It's either Supply or Return side... not discharge.
Posted on 8/6/19 at 5:25 pm to fishfighter
Another common problem is compressor starter capacitors going out. Had two fail this Summer already. Easy fix and doesn't require paying someone a fortune to swap out a $25 part.
Posted on 8/6/19 at 6:21 pm to RoyalWe
My buddy is coming tomorrow afternoon. System been working fine all day.
On a side note. I do know a little HVAC. Just finished installing a complete system in my guest house.
On a side note. I do know a little HVAC.
Just finished installing a complete system in my guest house. 
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