If your GE air conditioner coils are freezing, the problem is usually restricted airflow or, less often, a sealed system issue. Start with the air filter. A dirty or damaged air filter can block air moving across the evaporator coil, causing moisture to freeze and build into a solid layer of frost. If the AC coils are frozen in only one area, a refrigerant leak in the sealed system may be the cause, and that repair should be handled by a licensed technician. A dirty evaporator coil can also reduce airflow enough to cause evaporator coil freezing, especially if the blower wheel is clogged too. If airflow still seems weak, check the GE dual shaft fan motor or fan motor, since a motor that will not spin the fan blade or blower wheel can leave the window air conditioner freezing up while the compressor and condenser overheat. Enter your GE air conditioner model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact air filter, fan motor, blower wheel, or other replacement part that fits your unit.
01 - Dirty or Damaged Air Filter
If the air filter becomes clogged with dirt, it restricts airflow over the evaporator coils. If the airflow is reduced, the evaporator coils get too cold, which then causes the humidity in the room to condense on the coils and freeze. As frost accumulates on the coils, the frost restricts the airflow even more. Eventually, the entire evaporator coil assembly will frost over, causing the airflow to be completely restricted. Most air filters used in stand-alone air conditioners can be cleaned with soap and water. Only filters that are extremely clogged with debris or damaged will need to be replaced.
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02 - Sealed System Leak
If the air conditioner coils are freezing in only one area, there may be a sealed system (or refrigerant) leak. This is normally a very expensive repair. Repairs to the sealed system must only be performed by a licensed technician.
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03 - Dirty Evaporator Coil
Proper air flow is critical for the air conditioner to work properly. The evaporator needs sufficient air flow to keep the condensing water from freezing. If the evaporator coil, air filter or blower wheel gets clogged, air flow will be reduced and ice can start forming on the evaporator coils, eventually freezing them up. It is recommended to replace the air filter routinely. Refer to owner's manual for air filter replacement frequency recommendations and for evaporator coil cleaning instructions.
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04 - GE Air Conditioner Dual Shaft Fan Motor
An air conditioner dual shaft fan motor is the component that spins the fan blade and blower wheel to both draw air into the unit and force it through the front vent and out the rear condenser coil. If the fan motor is burned out, the air won't be circulated which can cause the coils to freeze and the condenser and compressor to overheat. You can use a multimeter to determine if power is reaching the fan motor. If power is reaching the motor, but it doesn't run, the component will need to be replaced.
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If the air filter is clogged, air cannot flow properly through the air conditioner. This greatly reduces the cooling capacity of the air conditioner. In addition, if the air filter is clogged, the evaporator coils will frost over. Most air filters used in stand-alone air conditioners can be cleaned with soap and water. Only filters that are extremely clogged with debris or damaged will need to be replaced.
An air conditioner fan motor is the component that spins the fan blade or blower wheel to circulate the air. If one of the fan motors is burned out, the air won't be circulated properly which can cause the coils to freeze. You can use a multimeter to determine if power is reaching the fan motor. If power is reaching the motor, but it doesn't run, the component will need to be replaced.