EC
Frigidaire Refrigerant System Leak / Low Refrigerant Protection

Frigidaire window or portable AC displays EC and stops cooling; fan may continue to run.

Advertisements

Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

Advertisements

Possible Causes

Refrigerant leak in evaporator or condenser coil, leak at brazed joints, factory undercharge, blocked capillary tube or expansion device

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety: Unplug the unit. Refrigerant is under pressure; do not attempt to open the sealed system yourself.

Steps:

  • 1. Basic checks: Clean filters and coils, ensure fans run properly, and verify that the unit is not in fan-only or dehumidify mode.
  • 2. Observe operation: If EC appears quickly after startup and the compressor runs briefly or not at all, the control is detecting abnormal refrigerant conditions.
  • 3. Look for oil stains: Inspect coils and tubing for oily residue, which can indicate a refrigerant leak.
  • 4. Professional diagnosis: A licensed HVAC technician must connect gauges, locate leaks, repair them, evacuate, and recharge with the correct refrigerant type and weight.

Note: In many cases, replacement of a small window or portable unit is more economical than sealed system repair, but a technician can advise based on age and condition.

Advertisements

Repair Difficulty

Professional Required 5/5
Advertisements