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Member |
Our attic unit is constantly leaking cold air; as a result, the system freezes up. We've had the local AC guys here 3 times in as many months. Their solution has been to tape and mud where the leaks are coming from, but I feel this is putting band-aid on top of band-aid. Is there a "more better" solution other than to tape & mud the leaks? BTW--the leaks are still happening in the same places we've taped & mudded before. All other parts of the system are working just fine--maybe too good? All pressures for coolant are fine. During the day, the unit is set to 74F; at night, 72F..and we are in South Carolina. | ||
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| Member |
I am a little uclear as to where the leaks are. Can you provide more details? | |||
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| Member |
Leaks are where the hoses attach to the main unit and the air handling unit and the chiller coils (I’m not well-versed in terminology). Basically along any/all seams | |||
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| Member |
Ok that helps. I think that should make it easier for the experts to figure out. | |||
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| Member |
Let me run through what you stated:
Bullshit.
Not likely. | |||
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| Member |
Generally if a unit is freezing up, your either low on Freon, or have inadequate air flow across the coils from a dirty filter/coils or restriction. Leaking ductwork should not cause the unit to freeze up. Find a different a/c company. | |||
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Ammoholic |
^^^This, but it's pretty good odds for me to side with an expert... Leaking air out of supply side won't do a damn thing. You could literally duct the main trunk out the back of your house to cool your patio and it wouldn't change a thing with how your coils work. Restricting return side would. Do you have a crushed return or dirty filter? If not I'd check freon levels. Leaking returns plus low freon would be my guess. If you suck in hot super humid air there's more water to freeze and if freon is low coils would be extra cold. Bad combo. Don't focus on supply side focus on return plus freon. Jesse Sic Semper Tyrannis | |||
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| Member |
Questions: How long have you lived there? If you've lived there for awhile, is this the first time you've had problems? Is the air filter clean? Have you changed to a more restrictive air filter? Several reasons for an evap to freeze up. Low airflow due to one or more of the following: Dirty filter Restrictive filter Dirty evap Dirty squirrel cage Weak blower motor Blower not running Inadequate supply/return ducting Refrigerant issues: Restriction in refrigerant system Low refrigerant Electrical issues: Sticking or Stuck contactor Bad stat, not shutting down at set temp Other: Low outdoor temp without a low ambient kit installed | |||
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| Member |
The plus, being the key. As a leaking return is letting in hot humid air, which is adding to the overall heat load, warming the coil. There has to be something else going on to allow the coil to reach freezing temps in the first place. | |||
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Member |
Wow. Simply amazing a HVAC company couldn't fix the problem in three service calls. Please tell me you didn't pay them three times. I think step one in solving your problem is to find a new HVAC company. ----------------------------- Guns are awesome because they shoot solid lead freedom. Every man should have several guns. And several dogs, because a man with a cat is a woman. Kurt Schlichter | |||
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| Member |
^^^^^^^^^^^^^ YEP. | |||
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| Ammoholic |
Twice would be good for me. Tape and mud??? Silicon and/or good quality foil tape would be the correct solution to solve leaks. Jesse Sic Semper Tyrannis | |||
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| Member |
I'm assuming foil tape and mastic translates to a homeowners tape and mud.  | |||
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| Member |
Yeah. That is why I asked where the leaks were. I thought maybe the wall. Sounds like you got him on the right path. | |||
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| Just because you can, doesn't mean you should |
"Leaks are where the hoses attach to the main unit and the air handling unit and the chiller coils (I’m not well-versed in terminology). Basically along any/all seams" On the intake side or the exit side? Are any of the exit ducts restricted by the flappers in the rooms or completely shut off? Something blocking the inside of those ducts causing low air flow and higher air pressure between the air handler and the end of the ducts? Sounds like the fan is creating enough pressure to force the leaks if the tape is properly installed and keeps coming off enough to leak. Go to each duct and see if the air seems to be blowing out into the room with the flapper full open. I agree, something is restricting the airflow causing the freezing coils but the need to keep resealing the ductwork sounds like it's on the exit side of the air handler system, not the return side. ___________________________ Avoid buying ChiCom/CCP products whenever possible. | |||
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| Member |
Thanks for your unhelpful post. | |||
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Member |
Where are you located in SC? ——————————————— The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Psalm 14:1 | |||
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| Member |
This is our second year in the house. Didn't have a problem last year. Air Filters have been replaced every 2-3 months Blower is blowing Coils replaced in June System is 10-11 years old As far as refrigerant--I only know what the A/C guy is telling me. The A/C guy charged me for the first visit--as I went through my home warranty service. I have not been charged for the last two visits. Sounds like I should try a different A/C company. | |||
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| Member |
Sent you a PM | |||
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| Member |
Exit side leaks. All flappers are fully open and air flow volume appears to be the same. | |||
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