why do the coils on my air conditioner frost up?

Question

does humidity cause this?
what can I do about it?

Answer 1

Sometimes just running it too hard in too high of humidity will do this. It can be a very annoying problem.
Try closing up the doors and windows and also make sure that it is draining properly.
Sometimes, too ...a light spray of WD-40 on the evaporator coils will cause the water to 'bead' off better and not remain on the coils where it's prone to icing up.
Also ensure the freon is properly charged and the coils are clean.

Answer 2

Your question relates to the relationship between pressure, temperature and volume. You air condition works by changing the pressure and volume of gas which results in a temperature change of the gas, then using a radiator as a heat (or cold) exchanger and a fan to move air across the radiator you get the cold air on your side and hot air on the outside.

Condensation, in your case ice has to do with the due point, and relative humidity. By reducing the demand you place on your air conditioner during humid times you can extend the time it takes for the ice to form.

When ice forms it blocks the air flow and stops the heat exchange process.

Answer 3

High humidity "might" cause it sometimes.
Normally its caused by a low refrigerant charge. Call an A/C specialist to check it a low charge may mean a leak which can cause other problems if left in checked.

Answer 4

if its a window unit you need to go out and take a water hose to it and unplug the drip hole of debris outside...then come back in and take a toothbrush and warm water and clean the coils while the ac is turned off...

Answer 5

they need cleaning, you can call a heat and air man out, but they charge a good bit to do it. or buy you some coil cleaner and do it your self.this cleaner makes all that nasty stuff, just run off.

Answer 6

window units clean outside the fins are dirty .
inside unit clean you filters and clean outside unit, you have to have airflow at both places
any weeds around the outside unit pull the and clean it, dirt and dust built up and disturb the transfer of heat and it freezes also low freon but start there first

Answer 7

one thing that might help is to run more air through it. turn up the fan.

Answer 8

turn down a couple of degrees