Causes of low refrigerant level
Refrigerant is a chemical compound found in either a gaseous or a liquid state. It travels different parts of the air conditioning system changing from a low-pressure gas to a high-pressure liquid. While this happens, it absorbs heat and releases it along the journey. This helps release cool air into the rooms. When properly changed, your air conditioning system continuously recirculates the refrigerant around.
Various reasons can cause low refrigerant levels in the air conditioner. These include leaks, lack of maintenance, improper installation, and more. If your air conditioner is low on refrigerant, it will be unable to operate efficiently. Here are some signs that your air conditioner needs a refrigerant refill.
Refrigerant leak
The most obvious sign of a low refrigerant level is a leak. The refrigerant does not evaporate or dissipate, it just recirculates. Ideally, air conditioners should not require a top-up unless there is a leak. When there is a leak in the refrigerant line, you may notice a chemical smell, hissing sounds, strange smells, or other signs that indicate the refrigerant escaping from the air conditioner.
It takes longer than usual to cool off your home
Most air conditioners are capable of cooling your room within a few minutes. Various factors affect the time it takes for the air conditioner to cool your home. These include the age, energy efficiency, and overall condition of your air conditioner. If your air conditioner takes longer than usual to cool your home, a low refrigerant level could be the reason.
Higher than usual energy bills
Another common sign of low refrigerant levels is a sudden and considerable increase in your energy bills. When the refrigerant levels are low, the air conditioner is forced to work much harder than usual to cool your home. The cycles may also last much longer. These factors can increase power consumption significantly and cause a spike in energy bills.
Reduced cooling capacity
Low refrigerant levels can restrict your air conditioner’s cooling capacity, If the airflow is weak from your air conditioner is low, it could mean you are running low on refrigerant. There are other reasons that cause poor cooling but a low refrigerant level is a commonly reported reason.
Warm air
If your air conditioner is blowing warm instead of cold air, it is a sign that something’s wrong. There could be different reasons behind this and low refrigerant level is among them. When the refrigerant levels are low, it will prevent the air conditioner from absorbing enough heat per cycle. This will reduce the cooling capacity of the air conditioner you may feel it is blowing warm air.
Frost on copper lines
When the refrigerant levels are low, it can cause the refrigerant to become too cold. This can restrict airflow, which puts tremendous strain on the air conditioner and causes the evaporator coil to freeze. Again, there could be other reasons behind restricted airflow such as dirty airflow.
Water pooling around the unit
When the air conditioner freezes up and then thaws out, it can cause the condensation to start dripping. Eventually, you will see a poll of water around the indoor unit.
Low refrigerant levels not only affect your home’s cooling and comfort but also put excessive strain on the air conditioner causing premature wear of the components. In worse cases, it can cause damage to the compressor.
If you feel your air conditioner’s refrigerant is out of balance, schedule a visit by one of our highly experienced technicians. Ignoring low refrigerant levels can lead to decreased efficiency and even compressor damage. Don’t wait until your AC is on the fritz – contact us today for a quick and reliable diagnosis!
