The insulated line going to the outside compressor unit had ice buildup on it. What causes this? It has been brutally hot here this week.
The insulated line going to the outside compressor unit had ice buildup on it. What causes this? It has been brutally hot here this week.
Could be simple, like a filter change or coil cleaning, or it may need a charge,which isnt hard but you need gauges and refrigerant.
Filter looks good, haven't checked the coil. Unit is 18 years old
Are you trying to cool an area that is too large for the air conditioner to handle?
It is big, and it's been hot. Shut the unit off to give it a rest and it is cooling pretty well this morning. With an infrared (?) Thermometer what should the temp be at the vent?
Sounds like it's a bit low on refrigerant. Get it recharged, should cost about a hundred bucks to have a guy come do everything and be good for another couple of years.
And a properly charged/maintained unit will use less electricity offsetting the cost of the service.
High humidity and insulation breakdown?
In reply to bentwrench:
Yes and yes. 
Hit the hardware store and get some foaming cleaner for the outside coil and self rinsing cleaner for the indoor coil. If you havent done this in the last couple years it should fix it, besides you wont have to listen to the ac guy try to sell you a new $5k unit.
TRoglodyte wrote: It is big, and it's been hot. Shut the unit off to give it a rest and it is cooling pretty well this morning. With an infrared (?) Thermometer what should the temp be at the vent?
I got a tip once regarding letting the A/C rest. Instead of just turning it off, set the heat/cool to off, and set the fan control to on. Set this way, the fan will keep air flowing over the coils, speeding the defrost and helping to dry any condensation.
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