An Arcoaire central air conditioner has an evaporator coil frozen, ice forming on the refrigerant line, or the AC icing over, restricted or missing airflow is usually the cause. 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 or seized bearings can stop air circulation and cause the AC coil to freeze up. A dirty or damaged blower wheel and housing can also restrict airflow. If the blower motor will not run, the run capacitor or capacitor may be defective. Bulging or leaking capacitors should be replaced, but testing and replacing these parts involves electrical hazards and may require 240V line-voltage work beyond typical DIY scope. If airflow is normal, a faulty thermal expansion valve, or TXV, may be misregulating refrigerant. TXV diagnosis and any refrigerant or sealed-system repair require an EPA 608-certified HVAC technician. Enter your Arcoaire model number to find the exact blower motor, blower wheel, capacitor, or TXV 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 - Arcoaire 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 - Arcoaire 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 - Arcoaire 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 - Arcoaire 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.