Without airflow, heat doesn't get to the evaporator coil, and the refrigerant doesn't boil. As a result, the pressure and the temperature will drop, causing the system to freeze. If the filter you're using is too restrictive, it can cause the same problem.
Frost on a suction line may indicate a flooded evaporator. A flooding evaporator is being fed more refrigerant than it can boil off and this may slug the compressor. Liquid leaving the evaporator may be indicated by frost on the suction line or compressor.
While smaller the high pressure liquid line does not need to be insulated, the larger low pressure suction line requires insulation to protect it from condensation. Without insulation around this line, thermal energy is lost and condensation forms, which can both lower efficiency and cause moisture damage to the unit.
Things that will cause the suction line to freeze up:Low air flow, running the unit at a lower than recommended outside ambient, temperature too low in house, wrong refrigerant charge, worn out or bad restrictive device, miss matched indoor and outdoor unit.
Low Refrigerant
When air passes over your unit's cooling or evaporator coil, condensation forms and removes moisture from the air. Normally, the condensation runs down to a collector pan and then drains away. If enough refrigerant doesn't flow through the coil at the right speed, ice will form instead.
Explanation: The presence of frost on the suction line of a system using a high side float generally indicates an undercharge of refrigerant.
When an evaporator coil becomes dirty or breaks, it cannot sufficiently draw in heat. As a result, it becomes too cold, leading to frozen AC lines. To fix the problem, you'll need to replace the evaporator coil.
If the pipe that runs the condensate to the outside of the house freezes over, your furnace won't be able to work! This is something that can unfortunately happen if the drip of condensate outside builds into an icicle that enters the drain line.
If the filter drier is restricted enough, it will feel cool or cold to the touch. This phenomenon happens from some of the liquid refrigerant experiencing a slight pressure drop and expanding into vapor as it travels through the filter drier.
The Copper Pipe (Suction Line) should be sweating and cold to the touch during a hot day. If it is not cold, your compressor could be off (bad capacitor/ hard start kit) or low on Refrigerant. Your Breaker is Tripped. Be Careful because this usually indicates a problem with the compressor or wiring.
The conditions that can result in frost on the suction line of a refrigeration system include low refrigerant charge, which causes the system to work inefficiently, low air flow across the evaporator coil, which can lead to insufficient heat being absorbed from the air, and potentially high air flow across the ...
The suction line is insulated for two reasons. One, to keep water from condensing on the line and ruining your walls and ceilings and secondly to keep the gas cool.
LOW REFRIGERANT
Improper refrigerant fluid levels can also cause an HVAC unit to freeze up. When the refrigerant is low, the coils will be too cold, causing them to freeze. You can hire air conditioning service and repair to check your refrigerant levels and replace them, if necessary.
The suction temperature should be above 35°F and below 65°F entering the compressor and the discharge line temperature should be below 220°F and above 150°F (typically) on a properly functioning package unit. 20.
A partially clogged drain can completely freeze with just a small amount of water standing in the pipe. Having your drains professionally cleaned annually will help ensure that they're able to withstand the cold.
Thaw Frozen Pipes
Turn off the water immediately at the main shut off valve. Open the faucet so that water will flow through the pipe once the area is melted. This will help melt more ice. Apply heat to or around the pipe using a hair dryer.
Your pipes will eventually begin to thaw on their own once the temperatures rise above freezing.
This problem may also cause higher energy bills, hissing sounds, and an air conditioner that is blowing warm air. A professional will be able to empty the remaining refrigerant, locate and repair the leak and restore your refrigerant levels to normal for optimal performance.
Thaw the pipe
You can use a hot water bottle or a microwaveable heating pack (the sort used for muscular aches and pains) or a cloth soaked in hot water. You can also pour hot, but NOT boiling, water onto the blockage, but remember that the water may freeze on the ground and make it slippery.
The most straightforward way to keep your condensate line from freezing repeatedly is to insulate the pipe. You can try to do this yourself with an insulated wrap. If that doesn't solve the problem, call an HVAC contractor.
Without airflow, heat doesn't get to the evaporator coil, and the refrigerant doesn't boil. As a result, the pressure and the temperature will drop, causing the system to freeze. If the filter you're using is too restrictive, it can cause the same problem.
It can take up to 24 hours for your unit to thaw out, potentially less if it is hot outside. Your AC may also slightly leak as the ice melts, so place some towels under it if you notice pooling water. If your AC does not thaw out after 24 hours, call a professional to identify the issue.
1- Turn Off the AC
Maintaining the system when a pipe is frozen might stress the compressor and other parts, sometimes requiring expensive repairs. The first step in fixing the problem is letting the ice thaw naturally by turning off the air conditioning.