Question:
The Whirlpool AC in question will run for several hours, and then
gradually stop cooling. Nine hours later or so, it won't cool at all.
I turn off the AC, and I hear what sounds like ice melting inside.
Once the system has set for a few hours, it will be OK. The AC also
nerver turns itself off, it just goes full blast until it freezes. Is
this the thermostat? Any ideas?
Answer:
Check your air filter and see if it is clogged. Clean it if it is. Also check
the evaporator coils and make sure they are clean. If not clean them with a
brush and some water. Coil cleaner is best but for you just use a brush and
water. Try to get them clean on the inside of the coils too. If it has a belt
driven fan make sure it is not loose because you lose RPM that way. If the
evaporator doesn't get the proper airflow through the coils the refrigerent
stays in a liquid state and grabs all the moisture out of the air and freezes
it into a solid block of ice. The only other two things that can cause the
evaporator coils to freeze up are a thermostat sticking in the on position to
where the air gets so cold the refrigerent stays in a liquid state. Low presure
switches usually shut it offf before that though. If you are low on refrigerent
is the last thing that can cause it but my guess is you need to change the
filter, clean the coils and or tighten the belt if it has one.
