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Carrier Central air conditioner coil icing up

If your Carrier central air conditioner has an evaporator coil frozen or you notice the AC icing over, restricted airflow is the most likely cause. First, check whether the furnace or air handler humidifier damper is open. Set it to summer mode or the closed position so air cannot bypass the evaporator coil. Next, inspect the blower motor. A failed motor, seized bearings, or a blower wheel that does not turn freely can stop air circulation and cause the AC coil to freeze up. A clogged or damaged blower wheel and housing can also reduce airflow. If the blower motor will not run, a defective run capacitor or capacitor may be responsible. Less commonly, a faulty thermal expansion valve, or TXV, can send the wrong amount of refrigerant through the evaporator coil and lead to an evaporator coil frozen condition. Turn off power before inspecting components, and remember that testing or replacing parts in the 240V air handler circuit requires appropriate electrical knowledge. TXV, refrigerant, and sealed-system repairs require an EPA 608-certified HVAC technician. Enter your Carrier model number to find the exact replacement blower motor, blower wheel, run capacitor, capacitor, or TXV 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 - Carrier 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 - Carrier 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 - Carrier 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 - Carrier 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 - Carrier 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 Carrier central air conditioner coil freezing up?
What should I check when my central air conditioner has a frozen evaporator coil?
Can a bad capacitor cause my AC coil to freeze up?
Can a TXV cause my air conditioner to freeze up?
How do I find the correct Carrier replacement part for a frozen AC coil problem?

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