8 Common AC Refrigerant Issues to Watch For
The AC that serves your home depends on refrigerant to function. Without enough of it, your AC will lose cooling capacity and suffer mechanical damage. That makes it essential to learn the signs of AC refrigerant issues. Here’s everything you need to know, courtesy of the experts at McCrea Heating & Air Conditioning.
Why AC Refrigerant Matters for Cooling Efficiency
Refrigerant is at the heart of how an AC operates. Your AC manipulates the pressure and temperature of its refrigerant, enabling it to transport heat. It uses low-pressure, cold refrigerant to extract the heat from the air in your home. Then, it uses high-pressure, hot refrigerant to dispose of the collected heat outside.
For optimal performance, your AC needs a precise amount of refrigerant circulating through its components. Overpressurization or underpressurization can harm system performance. It’s also worth knowing that the refrigerant system in your AC is completely sealed. It should never release refrigerant into the air. That’s a good thing, because AC refrigerants are environmentally damaging on release. Although modern refrigerants aren’t as dangerous as older ones, care when working with them is still necessary. In fact, HVAC technicians need EPA certification to work with AC refrigerants legally.
Signs Your AC Has a Refrigerant Problem
When an AC suffers an issue with its refrigerant system, it will lead to some noticeable symptoms. Some of the most common signs of refrigerant leak problems are:
- AC not cooling properly
- Ice buildup on evaporator coils
- Hissing or bubbling noises
- Higher-than-normal energy bills
Most Common Causes of Refrigerant Issues
There are only a handful of common causes of refrigerant loss in an AC. One is when its refrigerant lines develop leaks. That can happen due to corrosion or due to physical impacts on the lines. Another cause of refrigerant issues is poor installation. When you have an AC installed, you’re counting on your contractor to flare its refrigerant lines correctly. If they don’t, every joint in the pipes risks a leak. The same is true if the installer fails to tighten refrigerant line connections properly.
Ordinary wear and tear can also lead to low refrigerant in AC systems. It isn’t unusual for aging ACs to gradually suffer refrigerant loss. Occasionally, they result from damage to the system coils or compressor. It’s also possible to compound those problems if you try to fix them yourself or hire an unlicensed contractor for repair. For example, DIYers and unlicensed service people may opt for a refrigerant recharge to mask problems with an AC. That inevitably results in improper charge levels that do more harm than good.
Why Refrigerant Issues Should Be Handled by Professionals
Since AC refrigerant poses environmental risks, it’s essential to leave refrigerant-related work on your system to an EPA-certified professional. They’ll have the skill and equipment to prevent environmental hazards. They’ll also keep you safe from the refrigerant, which is hazardous to breathe. You can also count on them to charge your AC to the proper refrigerant level. That’s essential to prevent damage when you resume using your AC.
How to Prevent Refrigerant Problems
The best way to prevent AC refrigerant issues is to schedule annual maintenance and tune-ups for your system. Those include refrigerant level checks and inspections that let you resolve problems before they worsen. You should also remember to replace your AC air filters on schedule and keep the coils in your system as clean as possible. Beyond those tasks, it’s also best to avoid any DIY repairs or refrigerant handling. And if you suspect a refrigerant issue, investing in prompt leak detection services is a smart move.
Call McCrea for Trusted AC Repair and Refrigerant Services
Since 1936, McCrea Heating & Air Conditioning has served homeowners throughout the Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia metro area. Our team of licensed and insured HVAC technicians excels at diagnosing and repairing AC refrigerant issues. And with us, you can always count on transparent pricing and upfront diagnostic services. So, if you believe you need AC repair to correct a refrigerant issue, contact McCrea Heating & Air Conditioning today!
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are answers to some commonly asked questions about AC refrigerant.
What happens if my AC runs with low refrigerant?
An AC with low refrigerant will suffer performance and efficiency degradation. It will also eventually experience component damage due to excess wear and tear.
How do I know if my AC has a refrigerant leak?
An AC blowing warm air likely has a refrigerant leak, and it may also make gurgling or hissing noises.
Is it safe to add refrigerant myself?
You should never attempt to handle AC refrigerant yourself. It poses risks to your health and can damage the environment when mishandled.
Can a refrigerant leak be repaired, or does the system need replacement?
It’s possible to repair most types of refrigerant leaks if you address the problem promptly.
How often does refrigerant need to be recharged?
The refrigerant in your AC runs through a sealed system and should never need a recharge. If it does, your system has a leak or damage that requires repair.