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Nutone Central air conditioner coil icing up

If your NuTone central air conditioner has an evaporator coil frozen or is experiencing ac coil freezing up, the most likely cause is an open humidifier damper. Set the damper to summer mode or the closed position so air cannot bypass the evaporator coil. Next, check the blower motor in the furnace or air handler. A failed motor, seized bearings, or a blower motor that is not receiving power can reduce airflow and cause the AC icing over. A clogged or damaged blower wheel and housing can restrict airflow as well, so clean the wheel carefully with compressed air or a soft brush. A failed run capacitor or capacitor may keep the blower motor from running, while a defective thermal expansion valve, or TXV, can regulate refrigerant improperly and contribute to a frozen evaporator coil. Turn off the system and allow the ice to melt before inspecting it. Testing or replacing a blower motor, capacitor, or other electrical part involves line voltage and should be handled only if you are qualified to work safely around 240V power. TXV and refrigerant-line repairs require EPA 608 certification and a licensed HVAC technician. Enter your NuTone model number to find the exact replacement part for your central air conditioner.

01 - Humidifier Damper is Open

An open humidifier damper will let air bypass the evaporator coil. This loss of air flow can cause the evaporator coil to freeze up. If you have a humidifier on your furnace or air handler, confirm the humidifer damper is in the "summer mode" or closed position.
Highly Likely

02 - Nutone Central Air Conditioner Blower Motor

Since the furnace or air handler blower motor is the component that circulates the air through unit to cool it, a defective blower motor could result in the evaporator coil icing up. You can use a multimeter to test the blower motor for electrical continuity, a continuous electrical path present in the motor, as well as determine if power is reaching the motor. You can also try turning the blower wheel by hand. If the wheel does not turn freely, it's likely the motor bearings have seized and the blower motor will need to be replaced.
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Highly Likely

03 - Nutone Central Air Conditioner Blower Wheel and Housing

Over time the blower wheel and housing can become clogged with dust and debris. This will restrict the air flow which could result in the evaporator coil icing up. You can try cleaning the blower wheel with compressed air or with a soft bristle brush. Use caution when trying to clean the blower wheel as the fins are sharp and can be easily damaged. If the blower is damaged it will need to be replaced.
Common

04 - Nutone Central Air Conditioner Run Capacitor

If the run capacitor is defective, the blower fan motor may fail to run which could result in the evaporator coil icing up. To determine if the run capacitor has failed, test the capacitor with a multimeter. If the capacitor is unable to hold and release a charge or is bulging or leaking, replace it.
Common

05 - Nutone Central Air Conditioner Capacitor

If the capacitor is defective, the blower fan motor may fail to run which could result in the evaporator coil icing up. To determine if the capacitor has failed, test the capacitor with a multimeter. If the capacitor is unable to hold and release a charge or is bulging or leaking, replace it.
Common

06 - Nutone Central Air Conditioner Thermal Expansion Valve

A thermal expansion valve, commonly referred to as a TXV, regulates the amount of refrigerant in the evaporator coil to help maintain an optimal working temperature.
Common

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my NuTone central AC coil freezing up?
Can low airflow cause my air conditioner coil to freeze up?
How do I test a NuTone blower motor or capacitor when the AC coil is icing up?
What if my NuTone AC is not cooling after the frozen coil thaws?
How do I find the correct NuTone central air conditioner replacement part?