Evaporator Coil 'Frosting" up

[CitadelBlue]

I have a gas Heater (in the basement) and Purone AC unit outside. I'm noticing a little frost build up on the Evaporator coil in the basement and was wondering if that's normal ... Its been in the high 70's and I've got my thermostat set on 75/76. A couple of times I've noticed a little puddle of water at the base of the unit in the basement and last week the evaporator coil had completely iced up. The filter is clean and blower is working .. I haven't had the unit serviced lately but was planing to in the near term ..... but was just wondering if the 'frost' is normal ......

Thanks

 

[danielzig]

It is not normal for the unit to ice up unless there is a problem. Typical problems may include lack of airflow (dirty filter, blower not turning, coil dirty) or a leak on the refrigerant side.

 

[KinzeMech]

It is not always a problem, but it usually points to a deficiency in the system. Most commonly, it is due to a low refrigerant charge.

 

[domain]

airflow or low charge.

 

[6768rogues]

airflow or low charge.

I agree.

 

[hydramatic]

making ice...low on freon..

 

[pop pop]

Bubba can't seal up these Puron systems with the high pressures. So you get leaks!

 

[CitadelBlue]

making ice...low on freon..

That what I suspected. You guys are the greatest .... always available for opinions and answers ...

 

[CitadelBlue]

Low on freon ... got a leak in the fins of the evaporating coil ..... $1900 for a replacement ..... ...ugggg!

 

[lasthope05]

If you can access it you could easily repair it yourself with an aluminum brazing rod like alumiweld, durafix..etc. If its on the inside, you're SOL.

 

[JimL]

Low on freon ... got a leak in the fins of the evaporating coil ..... $1900 for a replacement ..... ...ugggg!

Thats pretty steep for a new coil, especially if it is in a case, just slide old coil out and slide new in.

Not uncommon to have a coil leak, we did a lot this summer around the $1200 range, and I know we are not the cheapest around.

 

[brewchief]

If you can access it you could easily repair it yourself with an aluminum brazing rod like alumiweld, durafix..etc. If its on the inside, you're SOL.

Good luck fixing the COPPER tubes in the evap coil with a materiel made for aluminum. You also need to evacuate the refrigerant, purge with nitrogen during any repairs, replace the filter dryer, pressure test with nitrogen, pull a deep vacuum(500 microns or better) and recharge the system. None of it is very DIY friendly.

 

[lasthope05]

Good luck fixing the COPPER tubes in the evap coil with a materiel made for aluminum. You also need to evacuate the refrigerant, purge with nitrogen during any repairs, replace the filter dryer, pressure test with nitrogen, pull a deep vacuum(500 microns or better) and recharge the system. None of it is very DIY friendly.

The products I mentioned above will also repair copper, brass and other non-ferrous metals. I have all of that readily available to me but in the OP's case I recommended a way to repair the evaporator coil he says cost $1900 to replace. I never said anything else about the repair which he will have to pay for no matter what.