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HomeRepair HelpPayne Central A/C RepairPayne Central air conditioner coil icing up Repair
Payne Central air conditioner coil icing up
When your Payne central air conditioner coil is icing up, stop running the system until the ice melts. An evaporator coil frozen solid can result from restricted airflow, and the most likely cause is an open humidifier damper that allows air to bypass the coil. Next, check the furnace or air handler blower motor. A failed motor, seized bearings, or a blower wheel that will not turn freely can lead to an evaporator coil frozen condition. A clogged or damaged blower wheel and housing is another common cause because dust and debris reduce airflow. A defective run capacitor or blower motor capacitor can also keep the blower from running. Less commonly, a faulty thermal expansion valve, or TXV, can send the wrong amount of refrigerant into the evaporator coil and cause AC icing over or an AC line freezing. You can safely check the damper and clean the blower wheel with power disconnected, but testing or replacing capacitors and blower motors involves electrical hazards, including 240V line voltage. TXV or refrigerant repairs require an EPA 608-certified HVAC technician because they involve the sealed system. Enter your Payne 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 - Payne 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 - Payne 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 - Payne 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 - Payne 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 - Payne 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 Payne air conditioner freezing up or the evaporator coil icing over?
Can a bad blower motor cause my AC to ice up or stop blowing enough air?
Can a dirty blower wheel or open humidifier damper cause my air conditioner to stop cooling?
How do I test a Payne AC run capacitor when the blower motor is not running?
How can I find the correct Payne AC blower motor, capacitor, or TXV replacement part?
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