If your unit runs constantly in the summer and eventually freezes up is it too small and you have a 2-ton unit for 1100 square feet?

Answer 1

-1098

Answer 2

It sounds as if your unit is low on refrigerant. A 24,000 BTU unit should handle 1100 square feet with no problem. Have it checked by a technician. Hi: Your question is a goodun,,,, and I wanna bring a couple of minor things to light that may help you. You see,,,, BTUH,,, or as you call it tonnage ratings are not all a good designer takes into account when installing and designing a system. The number of air changes is also taken into consideration for one thing. The speed of the air in the design both in and out and etc.. ( things like that ) There are general rules for such designs and often are different for different applications and uses. Believe it or not,,, ( there is even a rule for fresh air allowance into the system or conditioned zone ) Todays systems generally only allow a certain amount of air per given tonnage & heating ratings. Soooooooo, while low refrigerant may be taken into account for your question, there are also other factors to think about. Is the filter return area adequate ? Is the filter blocked ? Do you even have a big enough air flow turn over to begin with designed within your units CFM rating? Is your duct work airflow design speed and pressure adequate? And here is a real hard one,,,, In what climate zone do you even live and what is the design of your house? Is your liquid line filter drier restricted? ( this would roughly duplicate a low system charge ) Who designed your system???? There are charts and graphs readily available to the general public with some good basic design rules for these things. A little bitty calculator and a ruler can tell you tons about your situation and also help you improve on it. Don't forget things like lighting loads, appliance loads, what type and height ceilings you have, window and door type and quality, ceiling insulation, infiltration that naturally occurs on a regular basis within your particular structure. Sometimes the tonnage may be adequate but the air flow inadequate for your structure and needs which would amplify your ice up situation greatly. Summary: You are only as good as your information you are working with and the tools you use. So,,, Get the facts, then you got your answer. Basic Air Conditioning Duct work / air flow / tonnage / and other criteria is available to all. Hope this helps and have fun: Sounds like you pretty darned smart. ( Its a good question you have ) Jimiwane