Frozen AC

[Rag Bagger]

I have a 1984 Catalina 30. I purchased the boat last year and she came with a built in AC unit. I'm not sure of the brand but it is an older unit with three variable knob controls. One is for turning on the pump than compressor. The next is for temp. control and the third is fan speed. The AC has worked great until now. Last weekend, I left the unit on and when I returned on Sunday, it was warm in the cabin. I looked at the unit to find it frozen up. Is this condition due to it getting too cold in the cabin or is there something I need to check in the unit itself? Again, thanks for your help.

 

[kappykaplan]

Check the refrigerant level. Too little usually results in AC units freezing.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

There are only two reasons for a condenser coil freezing - low refrigerant or insufficient air circulation. As it's always a good idea to start with the easy stuff first, check the air filter(s) and integrity of any ducting you have on the return air side before going to the other cause.

 

[Stu Jackson]

...and that the fan speed was adequate (fast enough) and remained on during the refrigeration cycle.

 

[shipwreck66]

Probably refrig level. I just finished installing a window unit behind galley last weekend, ducted into salon, and then discovered it was needing a recharge. My luck.