I have a rheem a/c unit with heat pump inside and secondary unit outside and is only 5 years ols. When I woke up late this morning I noticed that the thermostat said it was 82 degrees upstairs and I always keep it at 79 so I knew something was wrong. I turned the thermostat off, reset the breakers, went up into the attic to verify the heat pump water overflow switch thing didn't trip or anything and everything checked out. When I turn on the thermostat, the heat pump comes on inside the house, the outside unit comes on (fan turns) and I believe the compressor comes on too. The copper tubing where I assume the freon comes & goes, is frosted pretty heavily when it's running but when I shut it off and wait for about 5 minutes, the frost goes away (probably cause the tubing is hot) but the house isn't cooling.

The unit is only 5 years old so I would HOPE nothing too expensive went bad here. I don't recall the copper tubing being frosted like that bad, although I guess I've never had a reason to look before but could use any help or pointers you could offer. Could it be simply I need more freon

Thanks

The tubing being frosted over may mean being low on Freon. That means bring in a professional to check, repair any leaks, and refill the system. $$$$$$$$$$$

I knew you were going to say $$$$... but the reassurance is good.

Thanks allot for you help/time