Is your Tempstar central air conditioner coil icing up? Shut the system off and let the evaporator coil thaw before testing or replacing parts. The most likely cause is an open humidifier damper, which allows air to bypass the evaporator coil and can lead to an evaporator coil frozen condition. Next, check the furnace or air handler blower motor. A failed motor or seized bearings can reduce airflow and cause the AC coil freezing up. A clogged or damaged blower wheel and housing can also restrict airflow, while a defective run capacitor or capacitor may prevent the blower motor from running correctly. Less commonly, a faulty thermal expansion valve, or TXV, can mismanage refrigerant flow and cause the air conditioner to freeze up. These causes can produce AC icing over, weak cooling, or an air conditioner not blowing cold air. You can close the humidifier damper and carefully clean the blower wheel, but disconnect power first. Testing or replacing blower motors and capacitors involves electrical hazards and may include 240V line voltage, so use a qualified technician if you are not equipped for that work. TXV or other sealed-system repairs require an EPA 608-certified HVAC technician. Enter your Tempstar 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 - Tempstar 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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03 - Tempstar 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.
04 - Tempstar 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.
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 - Tempstar 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.