Forum Discussion

rkassl's avatar
rkassl
Explorer
Sep 05, 2015

Main AC Froze up last night-what to do now?

We have a 2015 fifth wheel with two AC units. Our 2005 had only one and I never froze it up in 10 years use. On the thermostat I press the inside temp for Zone 1 (main) and it says 32 degrees F. If I run it I think the compressor is not cycling on because it is not blowing cold air. We are running on the smaller bedroom AC and it is doing its best.

Besides turning off the main AC and hope it defrosts, anything else I can do till it melts?

Is there a trick to make two AC's play good together? Any advice from your experiences will be appreciated.
  • Dr_Quick's avatar
    Dr_Quick
    Explorer II
    Sep 05, 2015
    On my last trailer the cooling coil had a temperature sensor in the coil. The reason for this is that when it sensed coil getting too cold, it shut down the compressor so it would not freeze up. If you take off cover you should see a probe inserted into the coil. Sensor could be bad, or just come out of coil.
  • Terryallan's avatar
    Terryallan
    Explorer II
    Sep 05, 2015
    What was the temp outside last night when it froze up? IF like in the NC mountains it gets down in the 50s. The AC can freeze.
  • copeland343's avatar
    copeland343
    Explorer
    Sep 05, 2015
    Also when hot outside run the fan on High or Auto when running the A/C. Do not run the fan on low when it is hot it will ice up, at least in Louisiana that is.
  • TXiceman's avatar
    TXiceman
    Explorer II
    Sep 05, 2015
    Freeze up is generally caused by low air flow. Run the fan on HIGH only and check that the inlet side and outlet side are properly sealed. Bypass air will cause a freeze up.

    Also check to see that the freezestat or sensor is properly attached or inserted into the coil fins.

    Ken
  • jffnkrn's avatar
    jffnkrn
    Explorer
    Sep 05, 2015
    yep, i agree with the above. just try running the fan only and it will help. then try keeping fan on hi during running time so the fan runs continuously and the compressor will cycle on and off as needed for temp control Good Luck & Be Safe ! ! !
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    Sep 05, 2015
    Icing in our unit was caused by poor sealing between the unit and the duct allowing cold air back into the unit. About 20 to 30 minutes with some foil duct sealing tape solved the issue.
  • Halmfamily's avatar
    Halmfamily
    Explorer
    Sep 05, 2015
    Turn the unit off and set it the thermostat so only the fan runs, this will defrost the unit, may take 30-60 minutes. Make sure you set the thermostat fan to auto before turning the unit back on. Make sure your filter is clean and that there are no instructions blocking air flow.
  • DaYooper's avatar
    DaYooper
    Explorer
    Sep 05, 2015
    Not certain what brand AC you have and can't recall what I have on mine but believe it is a Coleman.

    We had a similar freeze up issue with our AC in a new 2014, upon returning it to the dealer for some repairs they found some type of plug that wasn't in place. What this plug looks like or its location is a mystery to me, but I think it was allowing the cold air to recirculate in the unit, causing it to freeze every time I used it. Since the plug was put back in place it has worked great.
  • YC_1's avatar
    YC_1
    Nomad
    Sep 05, 2015
    If it has a heat pump function run that for a few minutes and it will defrost quickly. You don't have to get the room temps uncomfortable.

    If the temps are extremely hot then put the fan portion of the AC on manually to low or high. It will help keep the thing from freezing up.

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