If your Rheem central air conditioner coil is icing up, the evaporator coil may be freezing because air is not moving properly or the refrigerant flow is restricted. First, check whether the 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 in the furnace or air handler. A failed motor, seized bearings, or a blower wheel that will not turn freely can stop airflow and cause the coil to freeze. A dirty or damaged blower wheel and housing can also restrict airflow, followed by a failed run capacitor or capacitor that prevents the blower motor from running. If airflow is normal, a faulty thermal expansion valve, or TXV, may be misregulating refrigerant in the evaporator coil. Turn off power before inspecting components, and have a qualified technician handle 240V testing or electrical repairs beyond basic inspection. TXV and other sealed-system repairs require EPA 608 certification and refrigerant service by a licensed HVAC technician. Enter your Rheem central air conditioner model number to find the exact blower motor, blower wheel, capacitor, or other replacement part for your unit.
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 - Rheem 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.
Enter model number to search for the required part specific to your product
03 - Rheem 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.
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.
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.
06 - Rheem 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.