Of all the things that can go wrong with an air conditioner, a refrigerant leak is among the most serious. It’s the kind of problem that can hamper AC performance and efficiency. And if it goes unnoticed for long enough, it may damage your compressor. With that in mind, here’s everything you need to know about AC refrigerant and how to tell when your system runs low on it.
What Is Refrigerant and Why Does It Matter?
Refrigerant is the working fluid your AC uses to transport heat. It uses it to extract heat energy from the air inside your home and carries it outside for expulsion. Additionally, AC refrigerant contains lubricating oil that helps prevent the compressor in your AC from overheating.
Common Signs Your AC Is Low on Refrigerant
When your AC loses refrigerant, it will start displaying some telltale symptoms. Here are the most common signs that you have low coolant levels.
AC Blowing Warm or Room Temperature Air
Since your AC relies on refrigerant to produce cold air, a low refrigerant level will reduce its cooling capacity. That can result in warm or room-temperature air coming from your vents.
Ice Buildup on Refrigerant Line or Evaporator Coil
Paradoxically, low refrigerant levels will cause your AC to run at abnormally low internal temperatures. That can lead to ice buildup on its refrigerant lines or a frozen evaporator coil. The latter will also reduce airflow from your vents.
Hissing or Bubbling Sounds
If you ever hear hissing or bubbling sounds coming from your AC, turn it off immediately. Hissing normally indicates a refrigerant leak on the high-pressure side of your refrigerant system. Bubbling means that your refrigerant lines contain air, which can only occur if there is a leak.
Long Cooling Cycles or Constant Running
Since low refrigerant reduces the cooling capacity of your AC, it will also cause it to run more often. If you notice extended cooling cycles or your AC never seems to shut down, it may mean refrigerant levels are a factor.
Higher Energy Bills
Small refrigerant leaks may not harm AC performance enough for you to notice immediately. However, they will have an immediate impact on efficiency. So, if your energy bills start creeping upwards with no apparent cause, low refrigerant could be the culprit.
What Causes Refrigerant Leaks?
AC refrigerant runs through a sealed system. So, leaks can only result from damage to that system. Often, this occurs due to the corrosion of a refrigerant line. It can also happen if your refrigerant lines suffer impact damage. If your AC is relatively new, it may also develop leaks due to improper line flaring. That refers to the outward bend the installer makes in the refrigerant lines where fittings attach.
Why You Shouldn’t “Top Off” Refrigerant Yourself
If you’re a DIY enthusiast, the idea of “topping off” refrigerant may seem like a low-cost way to solve your problem. However, it’s never a good idea. There are several reasons for that. One is the risk that you’ll allow air or contaminants into your refrigeration lines. Another is the risk of accidentally overcharging the system. And in any event, recharging the refrigerant won’t address the underlying issue, which is a leak. Continuing to run your AC with leaking refrigerant is detrimental to both the AC unit and the environment.
What to Do If You Suspect Low Refrigerant Levels
If you suspect your AC is low on refrigerant, the best course of action is to turn it off and schedule immediate repairs. If it’s still doing a reasonably good job of cooling your home, the leak likely isn’t severe. In that case, there’s little potential harm in keeping your AC running while you await its repair.
Preventing Future Refrigerant Problems
The best way to prevent future refrigerant problems is to schedule an annual AC tune-up every spring. During a maintenance visit, our technician will inspect your refrigerant lines and check the refrigerant levels in your AC. If they spot signs of a leak, they’ll let you know so that you can address the problem.
Call NC Quality Air for AC Repair Near Wilmington, NC
With over 40 years of experience, NC Quality Air is the trusted choice for AC repair in Wilmington. Our team of HVAC technicians has the training and expertise to repair any make or model of air conditioner. Additionally, we offer upfront pricing and same-day service so that you don’t have to wait in the heat for too long. We even provide 24/7 emergency repair services for AC issues that occur on nights, weekends, and holidays. If you suspect a refrigerant leak in your AC in Wilmington, call NC Quality Air immediately!
