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Why Window Air Conditioners Ice Up
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- Not enough refrigerant or too much refrigerant:
Both scenarios can result in and icing condition. If your air conditioner was repaired recently suspect too much refrigerant. Mixed with an airflow problem this can be difficult to diagnose. If not repaired recently then suspect airflow problems before considering a refrigerant imbalance.
- Outdoor temperature too low:
Icing can occur if the outside temperature falls below 60 Degrees Fahrenheit. If the outside temperature is too low the air conditioner pressure-temperatures can be affected. When the outside temperature falls the cooling coil temperature will also fall. So much that the coil will refrigerate the room air. This will result in the cooling coil beginning to produce ice. This problem is more prevalent in the fall. If it is hot during the day but cold at night suspect this problem as the cause of icing up. If this problem is suspected try running the air conditioner in the fan only position. Leave the re-circulating vent open. This will circulate the room air without cooling it, while bringing in a small amount of outside air during the night.
- Oversized air conditioner:
If the air conditioner is too large for the room size icing up can result. If oversized the air conditioner can short-cycle. This condition is usually seen as the air conditioner starting and stopping every few minutes. Even though it runs almost constantly the air conditioner will give poor cooling. Use a sizing chart to determine what is the proper air conditioner size for that particular room.
- Cold control not shutting off: If the cold control does not shut off the cooling coil surface temperature will drop below the room’s dew point and begin to refrigerate. This will allow ice to build up onto the cooling coil.
- Cold control bulb broken or loose: As in the previous paragraph this will result in the cold control not shutting off and ice to build up on the cooling coil. If this is suspected remove the front grille and inspect the bulb. If broken replace cold control. If bent, kinked, or not securely fastened suspect a problem here.
Also check out our other related articles about air conditioners:
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Copyright 2004 by Donald Grummett. All right reserved.
Donald Grummett is an appliance service manager in Ottawa,
Canada. In the trade over 30 years as both a technician and
business owner.
For more information about appliances including FAQ,
Stain guide, Recycling, and Newsletter visit www.mgservices.ca
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/
This document last modified Wednesday, 09-Jul-2008 08:41:44 EDT
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