outside ac unit and heat pump continues to run

[yourkiddin]

anyone experiance this problem? house is not cooling so i just got down from attic. took the cover off of the heat pump and its got frost on half of the coils and the aluminum radiator looking thing. sorry but i dont know its real name. its running and so is the outside unit. its a goodman if that helps.

 

[WizeOne]

Re: outside ac unit and heat pump continues to run

In the AC mode the inside 'radiator' is an evaporator and the outside 'radiator' is the condensor.

When in the heat mode, the 'radiators' swap functions.

The outside unit has the compressor in it, the inside air handler only has a fan.

More later, I just got the dinner call!

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: outside ac unit and heat pump continues to run

The aluminum coil is known as the evaporator. There can be several problems going on. The air handler blower that blows air over the coil is not running at proper speed, the refrigerant charge is low, and a possible restriction in the evaporator coil.

Sometimes cool nights with the A/C set to low will cause a coil to freeze up, but usually the whole coil will frost over. Turn your stat up and turn the fan on. The air blowing over the coil will defrost the coil. Then start the system back up. If it frosts over again, you will probably need a tech to come out and put his manifold gauges on it to determine if the charge is low.

Also a dirty air filter will restrict air flow and cause frosting also.

 

[fat fanny]

Re: outside ac unit and heat pump continues to run

yourkiddin
If your coil is frozen shut the unit down and allow the ambient tempeture thaw it or hair dryer then get some coil cleaner or mean green and spray the coils to the condensor (radiator) let it sit and work in to the dirt and spray down w/ hose restart the unit and make sure the filter is clean and your blower belt isn't slipping if this issue still exsists after you perform this you could have eighter too much refridgerant or to little the balance can be touchy on some units especially if it was previously changed in temps below 60 degrees. If you live in the south where the winters aren't as harsh the heat pump is a good thing but if your in a climate where the temps drop to freezing and below frequently the pump will be a head ache with numerouse issues to many to list and hvac tech will be your next coarse of action

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: outside ac unit and heat pump continues to run

I know exactly what your problem is. It's a $30 part located inside the unit outside. It's basically a contact switch. Turn off the electricity to the unit, and look for the wire going into it. You'll find this "switch" and it's pretty big, about 2" x 2". Take it to a local heating/cooling supply place and they'll have one.
I know this, cause my 1977 Chrysler AirTemp did this at my other house. It got to the point where flipping the breaker off and on didn't solve it. My dad came for a visit, knew exactly what it was. $30 later and about 1 hour (including 30 minutes drive time) problem solved.

Good luck.

 

[xxxflhrci]

Re: outside ac unit and heat pump continues to run

Yep, the contactor recently went bad in mine. It started not cycling correctly. Flipping the breaker would restart it. It took the repair guy about 10 minutes to fix it.

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: outside ac unit and heat pump continues to run

To check your contactor, turn the stat all the way up or shut off the A/C buy the thermostat. If the outside unit continues to run, then the contactor is stuck. If the outside unit shuts off, then it is the other possibilities.

 

[yourkiddin]

Re: outside ac unit and heat pump continues to run

well i hope im not getting took by the local ac man, but according to him i have a freon leak in the attic unit. he calls it an evaporator coil. part covered under warranty but labor,shipping and welding materials is $435.00. he charged 128 today just to add freon and service fee. my advice for all of you home owners is this. while choosing your circle of friends, let that ac guys in it.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: outside ac unit and heat pump continues to run

You ain't kidding. I finally found a good HVAC company in Peoria after getting taken by a company that my father-in-law recommended. Just say "No" to relatives that recommend based only on unionization!
I hope you aren't getting taken either. As SS points out how to test for the bad contactor, I hope you or the tech did that already. Or at least now you can keep a real close eye on him and see what work he actually does. Good luck!

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: outside ac unit and heat pump continues to run

There is a product made by Cliplight that stops freon leaks. If your system is over 10 years old, it is a good candidate for it. I've used it many times with success. A couple of times it didn't as the leak was too big. Ask your A/C guy about it, if he is up to date, he will know about this. However keep in mind, he is wanting that job to support his family as well.

 

[yourkiddin]

Re: outside ac unit and heat pump continues to run

i did do the contact test and it shut off. bad thing is i had to be at work when he did work. there is always that thought of them being dishonest just to over price. oh well just the price we have to pay.

 

[mike243]

Re: outside ac unit and heat pump continues to run

the goodmans have a history of evap coil leaks,i have a 3.5 ton evap setting in the truck waiting to be put in,we have used the stop leak in 6-10 units & 3 have locked up the compressors,if there is any air/moisture in the unit the stop leak will lock the compressor up due to it setting up,we tell a customer straight up its a gamble,frezzing evap coil is caused by low air flow or low freon,if the evap coil gets dirty & on these hot days with long run times they can frezze up even though they have the rite charge,the coil i have to put in will run $700 for the whole job with it not under warrenty,mike243

 

[mike243]

Re: outside ac unit and heat pump continues to run

ps ,most ac units are not designed to run the indoor temp lower than 65 without frezzing up,diffrent varibles can raise that temp also,mike243

 

[KRS]

Re: outside ac unit and heat pump continues to run

took the cover off of the heat pump and its got frost on half of the coils

What do you mean by "cover"... the sheet metal factory case or did you have it covered with a canvas cover?

KRS

 

[Rickairmedic]

Re: outside ac unit and heat pump continues to run

YK that is about an average price to R&R an evap coil your not getting taken to the cleaners ( especially if its in your attic ) .


Rick

 

[yourkiddin]

Re: outside ac unit and heat pump continues to run

you know i was just brousing and seen this old post i summitted and got to thinking. ac man has yet to call me and tell me the part is in. he just put in the freeon and said he would call. guess they dont want my money.

 

[Rickairmedic]

Re: outside ac unit and heat pump continues to run

YK dont know what part of the country you are in but we are not that overworked here yet that we would be walking away from jobs .


Rick