As the summer temperatures soar, Florida residents tend to stay indoors where it’s cool and comfortable. Having a well-functioning air conditioner is vital to maintaining those cool indoor temperatures. If you’ve noticed your system struggling to cool your home as effectively as it should, one possible issue is low refrigerant levels. Understanding the signs of low refrigerant (or Freon) can help you catch the issue before it becomes a big problem.
What is Freon?
While refrigerant and Freon are often used interchangeably, they refer to different gasses. Freon is a brand name for a specific type of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) used as refrigerant or coolant in HVAC systems and refrigeration. The non-combustible gas is colorless and odorless but responsible for heat transfer. It absorbs heat from inside your home and releases it outside to facilitate cooling.
While Freon was commonly used in the past due to its efficient and effective cooling properties, it’s linked to ozone depletion. As Freon use is phased out, newer, more environmentally friendly refrigerants are being used. Some older systems may still rely on Freon but will eventually require replacement.
Signs Your Air Conditioner is Low on Refrigerant
Is your air conditioner running, but does your home never seem to cool off? Your AC may have sprung a leak somewhere and lost crucial amounts of refrigerant.
Here are several symptoms associated with low refrigerant levels:
Reduced Cooling Efficiency
If your AC is running but blowing warm air or not quite cool enough, it might be low on gas. Insufficient refrigerant levels prevent heat transfer.
Longer Cooling Cycles
Your AC keeps running, but fails to cool your living space. When refrigerant levels are low, the system struggles to achieve the set temperature, causing it to run for extended periods.
Higher Electric Bills
Low refrigerant levels cause your central air to work harder and longer to cool your home. This extended operating time uses more energy and drives power bills higher.
Ice Buildup On Refrigerant Line
Ice buildup on the AC coils or refrigerant lines clearly indicates low Freon or refrigerant. This occurs when the evaporator coils become too cold and freeze the moisture in the air.
Hissing or Bubbling Noises
While most refrigerant leaks are silent, you may hear a large leak. You’ll listen for hissing or bubbling as the gas escapes from the system. If you hear these sounds, call an HVAC company immediately to avoid serious issues.
Blowing Warm Air
Warm air blowing from the vents is a sure sign that something is wrong. Without enough refrigerant in the system, it can’t cool the air.
What Should You Do If You Notice Any of These Signs?
If you notice any signs indicating your system is low on refrigerant, it’s essential to the health of your system to act quickly. Turn off the AC. Allowing it to run can cause damage. Check to make sure your thermostat settings weren’t accidentally changed. Look for visible issues. While you shouldn’t attempt to handle repairs, identifying problem areas will help a technician diagnose your system quickly. Call to schedule a professional HVAC technician for an AC recharge, system inspection and leak identification.
Only a licensed HVAC professional should recharge your system with refrigerant.
Why Does My AC Refrigerant Need to be Recharged Again?
Your AC refrigerant may need to be recharged again due to a leak in the system, which causes the refrigerant levels to drop and reduces cooling efficiency. Over time, normal wear and tear can lead to small leaks in the refrigerant lines, requiring periodic recharging to maintain optimal performance. If the refrigerant was not properly recharged during previous maintenance, it might need recharging again to ensure the system is running efficiently and providing adequate cooling.
If your AC system has been repeatedly low on refrigerant and the technician only offers a recharge, it’s time to call a new HVAC company. A reliable AC technician will try to identify the leak and recommend a solution to resolve it. An ongoing leak will only worsen and drastically reduce your AC’s efficiency.
Call A Professional HVAC Company to Perform A Leak Check
If you suspect your AC is low on refrigerant, you must schedule a professional to inspect your system and conduct a leak check. Attempting an AC recharge yourself can be dangerous, may damage your unit and doesn’t address the underlying leak. Allowing your AC to continue operating on low Freon can damage the compressor, increase the wear and tear and reduce inefficiency, leading to higher energy bills.
Regular professional maintenance and timely leak checks can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems. HVAC technicians possess the tools and expertise to detect and repair leaks, ensuring your AC operates safely and efficiently. Routine care will ensure your AC system remains in optimal condition, providing adequate cooling even during the hottest summer months.
