Is it a problem if the condensing unit of a central heating and air system has frozen up?
The outside unit that is. It has iced up on inside of the outer vents on all sides, except above the fan. The weather has been around the mid 40s to the mid 30s. Is this a problem? Can this be easily fixed?
You may have a heat pump. It is normal for these units to build up ice when it is below freezing outside. The unit should automatically melt the ice periodically. For more info, check out the heat pump page at my source.
Yes, it certainly IS a problem. First of all, why would you have the AC on if the weather outside is in the 30’s and 40’s? At any rate, both the condenser and evaporator are where all the heat transfer takes place. The refrigerant (not freon…freon is a company name much like calling an adjustable wrench a crescent wrench) expands as it absorbs heat in the evaporator then gives up the heat in the condenser. Generally the air coming from a condensing unit is warm, but with it being that cold out it’s probably drawing moisture into the condenser and then freezing. Keep your evaporator filter changed also. If you see frosting on the evaporator coils, it’s a sign that either your filter needs changing, you are low on refrigerant, or it could possibly be your metering device (usually a capillary tube or tev). Hope that helps you.
I ‘m having the same thing. I called the repairman.
They are to come tomorrow. I am getting heat just fine, but it concerns me. Mine is also frozen over on all the coils inside the unit.