When a Tappan central air conditioner has an evaporator coil frozen or is experiencing ac icing over, shut the system off and let the ice melt before diagnosing it. The most likely cause is an open humidifier damper, which allows air to bypass the evaporator coil; set the damper to summer mode or the closed position. Next, check the blower motor in the furnace or air handler. A failed motor or seized bearings can reduce airflow and cause the air conditioner to freeze up. A clogged or damaged blower wheel and housing can also restrict airflow, so clean the wheel carefully with compressed air or a soft brush. If the blower does not run, a failed run capacitor or blower capacitor may be responsible. Less commonly, a faulty thermal expansion valve, or TXV, can mismanage refrigerant flow and cause the evaporator coil to freeze. Enter your model number to find the exact Tappan replacement part for your central air conditioner. Cleaning the blower is generally DIY-friendly, but electrical testing, capacitor replacement, and blower motor work involve hazardous voltage. TXV service or any refrigerant handling requires EPA 608 certification and a licensed HVAC technician.
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 - Tappan 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 - Tappan 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 - Tappan 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.