How Can I Tell If My AC Has Low Refrigerant
Do you think your AC has low refrigerant? Do you know what signs to look for when your AC is on the fritz? Keep reading to learn more about how to tell if your cooling system is losing refrigerant.
If your air conditioner isn’t keeping your home or business comfortable, it’s time to be proactive. Don’t worry; it only takes one call to bring in expert HVAC services by Hickory Heating and Cooling in Hickory, NC. We provide dependable HVAC repair, maintenance, and installation.
Signs of a Low Refrigerant Level
If your air conditioner leaks, it won’t be able to live up to your expectations. The system will still try to function in most cases, but you might notice one or more signs that something is amiss. Explore the following symptoms of low refrigerant in your air conditioner below.
#1 Slow Cooling
Adequate refrigerant levels are essential in cooling your space effectively. Without enough refrigerant, the system will take longer to pull the heat out of the air it is processing from the home or business.
It is important to note that the wrong cooling system size can also contribute to long run times and inefficient cooling. Only a skilled HVAC professional can properly test the system size and provide a solution.
#2 Warm Air Coming from the Vents
If your air conditioner pushes warm air through the vents, it may indicate that the refrigerant is completely gone. When the AC can’t absorb the heat, the system will blow warm air through instead of cooling it down. The unit may have a significant leak when it acts this way.
However, it is a good idea to first check the air filter on the AC unit because clogged filters can also cause this particular issue. The debris on the filter prevents the system from pulling in the air effectively, making it behave like it has a more significant problem.
#3 Failure to Reach Set Temp
You might see another classic sign of low refrigerant when your air conditioner fails to reach the temperature you set on the household thermostat. The system will run and try to reach the desired temperature, but it never seems to get there.
#4 Increase in Utility Usage
In addition to causing comfort problems in your home, refrigerant leaks contribute to higher electrical use. You might notice a sharp increase in your monthly bill that doesn’t have a good explanation otherwise.
Keep in mind that older cooling units are also less energy-efficient, and consider updating your AC unit if it is over ten years old.
Unfortunately, even high-tech smart air conditioners can’t diagnose themselves; they only follow orders — even if that means running at high power while only pushing out hot air. If your monthly utility bills are suddenly skyrocketing, call in the experts to determine the problem.
#5 Frozen Refrigerant Lines
If you examine the failing AC unit, you might notice ice building up on the evaporator coil. An insufficient refrigerant level can cause the coil to freeze the condensation instead of evaporating it to cool the air.
In addition to possible leaks, you should check for a dirty, clogged air filter or closed vents around your home. Any obstruction to the airflow through the air conditioner can negatively impact the entire system.
#6 Water Leaks or Puddles
When the low refrigerant causes ice to develop on the coil, surrounding temperatures can melt it, leaving unexpected puddles of water to form in the area surrounding the AC unit. These puddles can form repeatedly, and the water can damage surrounding parts or architecture.
However, if you smell a slightly sweet odor emanating from the fluid puddle, it could be the refrigerant leaking out of the AC system.
Air conditioning refrigerant is a highly toxic substance; never attempt to handle it yourself. Turn the air conditioner off and immediately call for an appointment with a qualified HVAC professional to locate the leak and eliminate this hazardous issue safely.
#7 Noise Coming from the Air Conditioner
If there are leaks in the outdoor or indoor coils, you might hear some strange sounds coming from the AC unit. If you hear hissing, the refrigerant is leaking in gas form; if you hear bubbling or dripping, it is leaking in fluid form.
Hissing and bubbling aren’t likely to come from another problem in the system, making them likely indications of a leak. The sound that a failing blower motor makes is different from either of the above sounds but still indicates a need for expert HVAC attention and repair services.
Repair Leaks and Recharge Low Refrigerant in Your AC Today
A simple refrigerant charge won’t do the trick when your AC is low on refrigerant. The only reason the refrigerant is low is that there is a leak somewhere in the sealed system. Filling the system without repairing the leak will only result in more refrigerant escaping.
Your leaking air conditioner will need a complete inspection to discover the leak's location and repair it. There are no shortcuts or simple fixes for an AC that is leaking unsafe chemicals, so hire an expert in HVAC repairs to get the best results.
You can depend on the Hickory Heating & Cooling team to provide exceptional services that keep your home comfortable and safe. We offer a wide range of HVAC services, including, but not limited to:
- AC inspection, diagnosis, and repair
- Air conditioning installation
- Annual maintenance services
- Ductwork repair and replacement
- AC filter replacement
Our technicians provide reliable support when your heating or cooling systems aren’t working. You will get high-quality equipment and repairs along with valuable information about the best options to keep your home and business comfortable year-round.
If your air conditioner has low refrigerant, call
(828) 373-8896 to schedule an appointment with Hickory Heating & Cooling.
Are you curious about how to maintain your AC unit? Learn more about the steps in maintaining an air conditioner with this checklist.
