Your air conditioning system relies on several key elements to adequately cool your home. However, few of these elements are quite as important as the refrigerant. The refrigerant is a solution that absorbs both heat and moisture from the air that is cycled through the unit to ensure you receive cool, moisture-balanced air. When the refrigerant level is low, the absorption process does not happen, so it's essential you maintain an appropriate level of the solution. Learn how to tell some signs that indicate your refrigerant is low.
Poor Cooling
Hot air in your home may point to an issue with the refrigerant. As previously stated, when the air from the outside is forced through your air conditioning, the refrigerant is tasked with removing the excess moisture and heat from the air.
When these elements are removed, the air is cooled, and when there is too little refrigerant in the system, you will feel the same moist, hot air flowing through your home. If the air temperature is hot in every room of your house, it's likely the refrigerant causing the problem.
Increased Cost
Your air conditioning cost likely remains rather consistent based on the season. So, before you receive your bill each month, you have a reasonable estimate of how much you will have to pay. If your refrigerant is low, the opposite is true. Too little refrigerant in an air conditioning system will cause it to work harder.
The harder the system works, the more energy it will consume, which will drive up your cost. In addition to extra cost, working harder to cool your home will increase wear and tear on the unit and reduce its lifespan.
Coil Issues
Refrigerant performs the absorption process through the coils, which are tube-like structures. As the refrigerant flows through the coils, it cools the air but also protects the coils. When the refrigerant level is low, the excess moisture in the air that is supposed to be removed instead settles along the coils.
Over time, the moisture gets cold and causes the coils to freeze. When the coils freeze, producing cold air is impossible, but the ice from the coils can eventually melt and cause water damage to the area around the air conditioning unit as well.
If you suspect your refrigerant is low, contact an AC services professional for assistance. A refrigerant issue can cost your money, but more importantly, the concern can make your home less than comfortable. A technician will inspect your unit to determine why the refrigerant is low, make the critical update and refill the refrigerant for you.
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