Refrigerants are integral for an air conditioner to expel warm air from inside a home, leaving behind cool, fresh air. However, when leaks develop, the system can overheat and malfunction or shut down.
In a worst case, scenario, occupants of the home can be exposed to fumes leading to severe health risks. Visit – How to Fix a Refrigerant Leak in Your AC: Expert Advice | Lifehack – for expert tips on fixing refrigerant leaks.
Refrigerant has a chloroform-like odor to make leaks somewhat easier to detect in the early stages. A common misperception is that refrigerants dissipate over time. In fact, the only reason the levels would be low is if there’s a leak in the AC system.
Low refrigerant levels can cause several issues with AC equipment, including reduced airflow leading to increasing utility costs and water leaks from the unit.
If you notice these things or have an AC concern, contact a heating and cooling professional. Please visit dranshvac.com , to learn about valuable repair and maintenance services in your local area. Companies like these offer varied other services, including installation and air quality solutions.
Signs Your AC Refrigerant Level Is Low
Refrigerant is an essential component of your AC system in that it helps to absorb and remove heat from the air. Low refrigerant levels keep the AC unit from functioning properly, making it inefficient and increasing utility costs. Consider these signs that you have low refrigerant levels.
Ice buildup over the refrigerant lines
When the refrigerant levels are low due to a potential leak, the refrigerant lines will develop a buildup of ice due to the evaporator coil becoming too cool.
Because of this, the cold refrigerant travels back into the AC system, creating condensation of water vapor from the low surface temperature and this air freezes. This is a common issue more so with central air conditioning systems since the refrigerant lines are usually visible.
If ice begins to form on your refrigerant lines, it’s essential to respond immediately by contacting a professional AC repair tech to replenish your system.
Bubbling sounds
Bubbling or hissing sounds coming from the air conditioner can indicate a low level of refrigerant. A hissing sound signifies that refrigerant is not circulating through the unit as it’s supposed to. These noises pertain to leaks, a dangerous issue if left unchecked.
In the same vein, bubbling sounds can also suggest trapped air in the lines, which can happen when the levels are low and ineffectively circulating through the system. Regardless of which sound you hear, it’s vital to switch off the unit and contact an HVAC professional to inspect the equipment and diagnose the issue.
Increasing utility costs
When you experience a sudden spike in utility costs without changing rates or usage habits, it can be an indication that the AC system has low levels of refrigerant. When this is insufficient, the unit must work harder to produce the same temperature, resulting in extended run times and higher utility bills.
If the issue is not immediately, it can lead to further damage to the equipment and the potential for a breakdown not to mention posing a safety concern to the household. If your electric bill rises suddenly, have a professional technician check for a leak and make the necessary repairs.
Unit taking too long to cool
A leak or insufficient recharge is possible if the air conditioner is not cooling the house as effectively as it did. You can check the level with a pressure gauge.
If the pressure is lower than normal, the levels are low which can indicate a developing leak. This is cause to seek professional help to either repair the leak or recharge the refrigerant. Go here for signs of a refrigerant leak.
Reduced airflow
Low refrigerant can significantly impede airflow because it’s integral in cooling the air. The AC cooling power is decreased when the refrigerant level drops leading to warm air blowing out of the vents rather than cool air.
The air ducts can accumulate dirt, dust, and debris when the AC airflow is hindered. This can lead to blocked air filters, which can impact the system’s overall efficiency. It can further cause premature wear of the components and costly repairs.
Water leaks from the air conditioning system
Water leaking from the air conditioning system can be a sign of a low refrigerant level. The ice that builds up over the evaporator coils ultimately melts and water will escape from the unit to pool around the base. Pooling water can cause secondary damage to a property, such as mold and mildew growth.
Reaching out to an expert technician is essential when you notice a water leak around your air conditioner. The professional will assess to determine if there is a refrigerant leak or another concern and make the necessary repairs swiftly and efficiently. You may aslo read (how often should you schedule professional ac maintenance).
