[KathleenS5268]

I have a central a/c, one part outside, one on the garage ceiling. Several times I have noticed it getting a little warm and when I check the temp, it was a couple of degrees higher than it was set for. When it is running, it has symbol above the temp that is solid. When I turned it on and off, the symbol was flashing, and when it is flashing, the unit isn't on,I have no idea if that has anything to do with anything. Eventually it turns on, but still stayed at the same temp. I noticed the unit is the garage was making noise, but fainter than usual. Eventually, after a couple of on/offs, it starts making the normal sound and starts cooling again. I also noticed condensation on the unit. The outside unit runs normally, as far as I can tell. Do you think it is maybe algea buildup? And if so, could anyone possibly tell if and how to do this myself? I had it cleaned out last year, but I live in Florida, so maybe it built up again? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[KathleenS5268]

I see no one has any ideas yet, I probably don't explain it quite right. This morning, no water, I guess it didn't have to run during the night. I did notice this morning that the condensation/leak has started very slowly, three drops formed, (it hasn't had to be on much yet today, but there are already little puddles on the floor), and that it starts right behind the little plastic drain pipe thing, on the seams that connect a panel to the unit. Yesterday, after running on and off most of the day, it was at the back (the end closest to the drain pipe thing) and that also appears to be a kind of seam, although it is covered by some kind of rubbery/plastic kind of stuff that seems to have been spread on (sorry, can't explain that any better, I'm sure there is a real word for it). It has been exactly a year and 5 days since I had all the alge buildup cleaned out. I really hope someone can help me with this, I'd like to try to clean it out first to see if that is the problem before I have to call out for service. Thank you to anyone for their opinions/suggestions.

[thisnamebetternotbetaken]

Have you changed your filter? Often times if a filter gets clogged there isn't enough airflow across the evaporator coil(the unit in the garage celing) This will cause the unit to get too cold and produce extra condensation on the outside of the unit. This could also lead to freezing up and thats where the real trouble starts. As for the symbol on the t-stat, i don't know. Its possible that its a filter indicator. Many digital thermostats have an indicator that reminds you that you need to change the filter. Much like a car has an oil light if the pressure is below normal. I'd recomend getting a technician to come out for a maintainence. Its much cheaper than paying for a repair later. While he is there ask about chlorene tablets for your drain pan. And have him show you how to put themin the unit. They are slow dissolving and this will elliminate any algee buildup. They should be included in any regular maintainence.

[Icehouse]

The drain and coil need cleaning. This is done by an A/C service.

[KathleenS5268]

Thank you both very much for your imput. We change our filters in the house pretty much once a month and actually just did it a couple of weeks ago.... but as for cleaning the coil, at least I know I can't do it myself, can't access the inside of the unit, it's all bolted up, which is why I couldn't even check the drain pan everything I read said to check. But I'm happy to know for sure that I have to call someone...and that it doesn't sound too bad.

[Icehouse]

Originally Posted by KathleenS5268

Thank you both very much for your impute. We change our filters in the house pretty much once a month and actually just did it a couple of weeks ago.... but as for cleaning the coil, at least I know I can't do it myself, can't access the inside of the unit, it's all bolted up, which is why I couldn't even check the drain pan everything I read said to check. But I'm happy to know for sure that I have to call someone...and that it doesn't sound too bad.

Make sure they check throughly both inside and out. Also you want the readings ex. pressures, temperatures, superheat, subcooling and amperage.
Have them check the CFM's as if not up to snuff will cause the coil to ice-up.

[Icehouse]

Check out here Central Air Conditioning Troubleshooting & Repair Guide: How to Inspect, Diagnose, & Repair Central Air Conditioning: Defects in A/C compressors, air handlers, duct work, and controls

[KathleenS5268]

Thanks again! I know from looking at last years receipt that they do check some things, like amps, but I will write down the other stuff and make sure they check it all...but what is CMF (hate to sound ignorant, but I think that is pretty obvious anyway from my previous posts..."little plastic drain pipe thing" "rubbery plastic kind of stuff" ), or will they just know what it is by the initials? And also, thanks for the link, I will check it out

[Icehouse]

Originally Posted by KathleenS5268

Thanks again! I know from looking at last years receipt that they do check some things, like amps, but I will write down the other stuff and make sure they check it all...but what is CMF (hate to sound ignorant, but I think that is pretty obvious anyway from my previous posts..."little plastic drain pipe thing" "rubbery plastic kind of stuff" ), or will they just know what it is by the initials? And also, thanks for the link, I will check it out

CFM's = Cubic Feet per Minute checks air flow. Too slow will act like a dirty filter.(Icing of coil).

[KathleenS5268]

Ok, thank you again. I will get pen and paper and write all this down. Or maybe I'll try to memorize it so I will sound like I know what I am talking about!!

You know, it worked fine all day yesterday, except for those three drops that dripped onto the floor, but it wasn't as hot or humid yesterday as the previous couple of times it happened. Of course, I have no idea if that is relevant in any way whatsoever. So far today it is the same as yesterday, three little drops, but it is only 10:30 and I think it is going to be a pretty hot and humid day. It hasn't been a [i]constant[i] problem, but I really do appreciate the advice because I don't want it to get worse. I have an appointment for next Weds.