Well, I don't think there is heavy frosting, otherwise the air flow would be severely limited and I'd see ice right away after lifting the front cover. Still, I can't completely rule it out since plastic would not make contracting sounds as soon as you switch it on. The evap is probably frosting up somewhere which may not be immediately visible. Excess air and moisture in the system might also be causing this. I know for a fact there is restriction in my evap, and I will have to live with it until a vacuum gets done.
Nitrogen flush and vacuum.. these are both highly effective ways of finding leaks in the entire system right?
Exactly... in high humidity conditions like it is in the evenings these days (over 70%), it should let out a steady stream for the first few mins until the room is sufficiently dry and cool. It only did that when the AC techs leave! After a few days, it condensates less water like is the case now.
And yes, I have detected the temp going down faster during the day and sometimes in the evenings I am left with no option but to have the ceiling fan running too. Is air and moisture in the system something that can lead to leaks in the future? What about an improper charge.. does that also cause leaks down the line? I would imagine so.
The condenser unit is not in a shade and in fact, under direct sunlight but that is a non-issue, since just a month ago when the AC guy had just left, it was chilling. Even last summers, it was kicking out heat and humidity from the room like nobody's business! My glasses would get fogged as soon as I'd step out of the room. That's how it should cool all year round, except of course, when humidity isn't very high.
This has been a very stimulating discussion. One last question: the condensate water coming from the pipe should feel fairly cool to the touch, particularly once the evening starts, yes?
Actually two: how can you tell if the gas being pumped into your AC is not inferior quality?
