If your Nordyne central air conditioner has an evaporator coil frozen or you see the AC coil freezing up, restricted airflow is the most likely 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, a failed blower motor in the furnace or air handler may stop air circulation and cause the AC icing over. A clogged or damaged blower wheel and housing can also reduce airflow enough to freeze the coil. If the blower motor is not running, the run capacitor or capacitor may be defective, bulging, or leaking. A less common cause is a faulty thermal expansion valve, or TXV, which regulates refrigerant flow through the evaporator coil. Turn off the system and let the evaporator coil thaw before testing or replacing parts. Disconnect power before electrical checks, and use caution around line voltage. TXV or refrigerant-line repairs require EPA 608 certification and a licensed HVAC technician because they involve the sealed system. Enter your Nordyne model number to find the exact replacement blower motor, blower wheel, capacitor, or other 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 - Nordyne 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 - Nordyne 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 - Nordyne 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 - Nordyne 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.