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Old 07-15-2016, 08:10 PM   #1
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Roof top AC freezes up

Two times now, on warmer days (85-90 degrees) up at the lake at 5,000' elevation our roof top AC has frozen up. The fan still runs but the grill (the unit that the air passes through) collects enough ice to block most of the air flow. This use to happen when we lived in Arkansas in the summer time with our window units. As soon as I shut the compressor off, the ice would melt and the air flow would resume. The same with my TT roof top unit.

Any suggestions as how to keep this from happening? I typically do not have the coldest setting or the highest fan speed when this is happening.

Thanks for any help from this forum.
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Old 07-15-2016, 08:27 PM   #2
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Hi Gary! I'm really not trying to be a jerk when I say this, but there are several really good threads on this problem in this forum that will give you several options in dealing with this. Just doing a search on a/c and freeze would do it I think. Good luck!
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Old 07-15-2016, 09:36 PM   #3
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Freezing usually means low freon or not enough air flow. Turn the fan on high and see if it still happens. Chances are it is low on freon.


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Old 07-15-2016, 09:53 PM   #4
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Probably low air flow, high fan always and if you have adjustable vents leave them open!

Opening the quick cool dump helps to if so equipped.


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Old 07-15-2016, 10:16 PM   #5
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It's not even a year old, but guess it could have a leak. I'll try leaving it on high with all the vents open. Thanks
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Old 07-15-2016, 10:45 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tfort View Post
Freezing usually means low freon or not enough air flow. Turn the fan on high and see if it still happens. Chances are it is low on freon.


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Old 07-16-2016, 09:48 AM   #7
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It's not even a year old, but guess it could have a leak. I'll try leaving it on high with all the vents open. Thanks

They had to replace mine less than 6 months old for freezing.


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Old 07-16-2016, 01:10 PM   #8
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In hot, humid weather, Dometic Service Tech recommended to me that I keep the fan on high. The fan runs all the time, compressor comes on when needed. In the evening when the temperature drops, turn the fan back to Auto. I currently have a Coleman A/C, but still run it this way, in 4 years I haven't had any problems. You need a lot of air flow, plus you can't add Freon to an RV A/C, you can only replace the unit.

Good luck
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Old 07-16-2016, 01:30 PM   #9
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My dad owned an A/C company since 1968 until he died a few years ago. I worked for him summers in high school and college. I'm by no means an expert but there are a few things that could cause it to freeze.

1. Check air flow: Is there an obstruction of anykind? If the filter is dirty that will do it every time. If you have every run it without a filter the evaporator coil needs to be cleaned. They must have a filter. If you have pet , cat or dog, that hair gets everywhere. Just running it for a few days without a filter will do it, and it will not fix itself.

2. Your fan is running at a speed that is not allowing the condensation to drain and, building up causing low airflow - freezing.

3. Is your condensation drain free from debris? Generally they will leak before they freeze, unless the water has no where to go.

4. Hopefully not this: Low on Freon, Freon changes from a liquid to a gas then is compressed back down to a gas. When that happens it's a certain pressure. If the pressure varies the temperature will drop causing the coil to freeze. If it has been doing the exact same thing for a while, like since it was new, it might not have a leak, just may be under charged.

if it is low on Freon and it's new, take it to the deal or get warranty work immediately. Just make sure it's thawed out before you get someone to look at it. They can't do much for you if it's frozen like a brick. Freon is not like gas in your car. It will not go anywhere, unless you have a leak. If you keep filling it, it's just like a band-aid. Plus A/C companies are not supposed to keep filling leaking systems...EPA stuff.
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Old 07-16-2016, 02:52 PM   #10
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Couple things to try. First make sure the ceiling unit filter is clean . Second be sure the thermistor is pushed into the fins. Third try opening the dump vent on the ceiling unit to open the airflow.. Most common cause we see is plugged filter causing the freeze up, but the least resistance for airflow the better.
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Old 07-16-2016, 05:57 PM   #11
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SEARCH??

Quote:
Originally Posted by NMWildcat View Post
Hi Gary! I'm really not trying to be a jerk when I say this, but there are several really good threads on this problem in this forum that will give you several options in dealing with this. Just doing a search on a/c and freeze would do it I think. Good luck!
He wants information, not instructions on how to search. Search can give too many trails to follow. Know the answer? Give it up.
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Old 07-16-2016, 06:59 PM   #12
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He wants information, not instructions on how to search. Search can give too many trails to follow. Know the answer? Give it up.
I did. Search is your friend. 😀
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Old 07-16-2016, 07:21 PM   #13
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3. Is your condensation drain free from debris? Generally they will leak before they freeze, unless the water has no where to go.
You should see the water dripping off your roof somewhere. If not, your drains are plugged.
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