Air conditioning systems use refrigerant to create cool air. Without the refrigerant, the air conditioner will blow warm air and overheat. Refrigerant leaks are all too common and must be repaired immediately. Agape Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing will share the common signs of refrigerant leaks, what to do when one occurs, and how to repair the air conditioner.
Air Conditioner Air Flow is Weak
The air conditioning system depends on the refrigerant to create the cool air that is circulated throughout the home. Without the refrigerant the indoor temperatures may have not provide cool air. When refrigerant is low often the air conditioner may blow cooler air but it may seem weak and it will take a long time for there to be any changes in the temperature. When the air conditioner unit is low on refrigerant it may run longer and more frequently but with little results.
Central AC Blowing Warm Air
Another common sign of low levels of refrigerant due to a leak is when the air conditioner is blowing warm air. When the air conditioner attempts to create cool air it continues through the cycle, but without the needed refrigerant, all you will get is warm air. If you feel warm air coming out of the vent and the thermostat is on the correct cooling setting, this is a classic sign you have a leak.
Air Conditioner Making Hissing Noise
Often when there is a leak and your air conditioner is low on refrigerant you may hear a hissing noise coming from the indoor unit. The hissing noise is coming from the coils where the leak may have occurred. Larger leaks may even create a gurgling sound. If you hear hissing or gurgling it may be the sigh of a leak.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
The job of the coils within the air conditioner unit is to absorb the heat from the air. When the refrigerant levels are too low, the coils cannot absorb the heat and often begin to ice up. The coils naturally accumulate condensation which turns to ice on the coil when the refrigerant is too low.
Why is My Electric Bill So High All of a Sudden?
Another sign that there may be a leak is sometimes hidden in your energy or utility bill. Because there is less refrigerant for the air conditioner to work with, it can cause the air conditioner to work more often and longer to cool the home down. Often the increase in your utility bill can give a hint that there is a leak and your air conditioner is running low on refrigerant.
What to Do if AC Refrigerant Levels are Low
When you have these classic signs of a refrigerant leak your first step is to turn off the air conditioner. If the air conditioner is low on refrigerant, it can cause major problems within the air conditioning unit. Often the compressor will overheat, which leads to expensive repairs or even total failure of the air conditioner. Contact an HVAC repair service to come and inspect the air conditioner for refrigerant leaks. If there is a leak, the leak will be repaired and the refrigerant refilled to proper levels.
Central Air Conditioning Inspection, Tune Up Maintenance & More in Bedford Hills, Manhattan, Flushing, Queens, Brooklyn & The Bronx, New York
If you are having problem with your HVAC system and need quality HVAC services, contact Agape Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing today.
