Evap coil cleaned and still ices up. Do I need recharge?

[genekim]

Hello, My evavaporator coil turned into a block of ice and there was no air-flow, so I turned the A/C off, let if defrost and cleaned the coil with Coil Cleaner bought from Lowes. Then I turned it on again, got the airflow back but after 2 hours it would ice up again (I just assume this just from the fact that the air flow was diminished without looking at the coil). My questions are

- Does this mean my central A/C is low on freon?
- It uses R-22. Would it be a good idea to recharge it with ES-22?
- I did notice that a small part of the coil was ruptured. If the freon leaks from that part, is there anyway to fix the leaks without replacing the coil?
- If there're leaks in the coil and I'm not ready to have it replaced, how often do I need to recharge the freon if the leaks are small.

Thank you very much in advance for your help.

[amd]

You have done everything a homeowner can do - it's time to to call a technician.


"I did notice that a small part of the coil was ruptured. If the freon leaks from that part, is there anyway to fix the leaks without replacing the coil?"

Depends on where it is.

[smokin68]

Originally posted by genekim
Hello, My evavaporator coil turned into a block of ice and there was no air-flow, so I turned the A/C off, let if defrost and cleaned the coil with Coil Cleaner bought from Lowes. Then I turned it on again, got the airflow back but after 2 hours it would ice up again (I just assume this just from the fact that the air flow was diminished without looking at the coil). My questions are

- Does this mean my central A/C is low on freon?

Could be.





- It uses R-22. Would it be a good idea to recharge it with ES-22?

Not without properly diagnosing your problem.




- I did notice that a small part of the coil was ruptured. If the freon leaks from that part, is there anyway to fix the leaks without replacing the coil?

Only a tech right there can answer.





- If there're leaks in the coil and I'm not ready to have it replaced, how often do I need to recharge the freon if the leaks are small?



As often as it needs.

Thank you very much in advance for your help.

[mjk_na]

Originally posted by genekim
- Does this mean my central A/C is low on freon?
- It uses R-22. Would it be a good idea to recharge it with ES-22?
- I did notice that a small part of the coil was ruptured. If the freon leaks from that part, is there anyway to fix the leaks without replacing the coil?
- If there're leaks in the coil and I'm not ready to have it replaced, how often do I need to recharge the freon if the leaks are small.

- From your description. Most probably YES.
- Why?
- Depends on the skill of the technician. Ask him/her.
- I don't suggest leaving a leaking coil to release refrigerant into atmosphere. Not good for the environment. Get it fixed. Saves your money and the earth :)

[mini-split-dude]

Dont try to recharge your unit. Moisture in the system is one thing human bones are another.

[beenthere]

As said above, a tech must inspect it to know it its worth while fixing.

I don't know of any valid reasson to use another gas in your system, at this time.

[ttstrutt]

Did an icepick help the defrost and cause the "rupture"?

[danglerb]

When calling for a tech to come out I would be asking up front if they repair small coil leaks. Why waste both your time if the company has a policy against repairs or lacks the skills. Much better to be quoted two prices, repair and replace it, instead of "yup its bad, you have to replace it or the whole system etc."

Icepick, now that brings back fond memories of my mispent youth.