Why did the coils on my Kenmore wall unit air conditioner frost over or freeze up?

Question

My Kenmore air conditioner's coils are frosting up. Why would that happen and is it fixable and can we do that ourselves or do we need to call a technician?

Answer 1

It could be something as easy as a filter change or cleaning the coils.It could also be low on freon in which you would have to call for service.

Answer 2

Try a good cleaning of the coil. You can get some foaming coil cleaner at hardware or Home Depot. I have used foaming bathroom cleaner. If that doesn't work probably low on refrigerant (Freon). There is usually no way to add refrigerant to window a/c. You can install line tap or install valve in the line. If you are low on refrigerant, it has a leak and would need repair. Most smaller window a/c's are just replaced. After a couple of years the fan motor quits and usually costs more to fix it than it's worth. If it's a "big" unit with heat it might be cost effective to fix it. I'm an a/c tech and can fix my own. I think it will be hard to find someone to work on it cheap enough.

Answer 3

Turn it off and let it defrost, turn the thermostat down so it won't run continuously.