Does Your AC Need A Refrigerant Refill? 3 Signs You Should Not Ignore
Posted on: 19 January 2023
You rely on your AC to keep you cool during the hot days. So, it can be annoying when it fails to efficiently lower the temperature in your home. Apart from a dirty filter and a defective thermostat, your AC's efficiency may also be affected by low refrigerant (Freon) levels. Note that your AC significantly relies on refrigerant to maintain cool temperatures. So, once the level drops, your AC will consume more energy to maintain comfortable temperatures. So, it is crucial to know the common signs that your AC needs a refrigerant refill so you can call the AC repair experts on time.
1. Longer Cooling Time
The type of AC you have and the size of your home determine how long it takes to attain comfortable temperatures on hot days. After using your system for a while, you will understand how long it takes to cool your house. So, something needs to be fixed if your AC runs for extended periods before producing enough cool air. This is because the refrigerant absorbs heat from your indoor space to cool your house. So, low refrigerant levels reduce the AC's effectiveness in absorbing heat from the air. Consequently, the system will take longer to meet your expectations.
2. Unusual Hissing Sounds
Unlike gas fuel, the AC does not use up refrigerant when running. So, the main cause of low refrigerant levels is leakages. Refrigerant leaks will manifest in various ways. One clear indication of refrigerant leaks is low hissing sounds from your AC. Such leaks mean the refrigerant is leaking in gas form. Sometimes, the refrigerant may leak in liquid form, producing bubbling sounds. Therefore, if you hear such weird sounds, call AC repair experts to identify the source of the leak and fix it.
3. Ice Formation on the Pipes
Another consequence of low refrigerant levels is reduced pressure. The low pressure will reduce temperatures in your AC such that the evaporator coil freezes. Consequently, the AC coolant flows through the lines, which means the moisture in the air will begin freezing. For this reason, it is advisable to regularly inspect your AC for ice buildup, especially outside, to catch the damage early and prevent further issues.
Low refrigerant levels in your AC will affect its effectiveness in maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures during hot days. However, it is vital to understand that it is toxic and could cause respiratory issues if inhaled. Since leaks usually cause low refrigerant levels, you should work with an AC repair professional to fix and refill the leak.
Contact an AC technician for more information.
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