How to Diagnose a Frosty Air Conditioner

Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey discusses the possible causes and solutions for a frozen air conditioner. Click here to SUBSCRIBE to the official This Old House YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=thisoldhouse Skill Level: Easy Tools List for Diagnosing a Frosty Air Conditioner: Vacuum cleaner Dust attachment for vacuum Shopping List: Air filter for AC unit Steps: 1. Usually, ice on an air conditioner indicates that the airflow between the coil and the condenser unit is out of balance. 2. Replace a disposable air filter or clean a reusable one to maximize airflow on the indoor unit. 3. Check for obstructions on the condenser unit outside. Clean off any leaves or droppings that may be on or near the condenser, but work very carefully to avoid bending or damaging the fins. A vacuum with the brush attachment can usually do the trick. 4. Be sure to install a unit that is properly sized. If you add insulation to the house, your air conditioning unit may need to be changed for a smaller one. 5. If none of these solutions solves the problem, there could be a refrigerant leak. Hire a professional to investigate further. Resources: Air filters on HVAC equipment should be changed or cleaned periodically. Replacement air filters come in many sizes and can be purchased at home centers. Reusable filters should be cleaned at least once per season, more regularly in homes with pets. Outdoor units should be cleaned with a vaccum brush attachment and kept clear of bushes and other obstructions. A professional HVAC contractor can help assess if a system may be oversized and need replacement or if the refrigerant is recharged incorrectly. Ask This Old House TV Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers—and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.   This Old House releases new segments every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday.   Keywords: This Old House, How-to, home improvement, DIY, richard trethewey, kevin o'connor, air conditioning, diagnose, repair, ask this old house, plumbing Watch the full episode: https://ift.tt/2H0k0AY Follow This Old House and Ask This Old House: Facebook: https://ift.tt/1psm4fC Twitter: https://twitter.com/thisoldhouse https://twitter.com/asktoh Pinterest: https://ift.tt/1psm4fE G+: https://ift.tt/1CtsNjJ Instagram: https://ift.tt/1psm1QZ Tumblr: https://ift.tt/1CtsLbH