Air conditioning systems are modern marvels that provide comfort even in scorching hot weather conditions. How do they do it? The miracle worker at the heart of every AC unit is refrigerant. This substance is essential in the cooling process because it helps transform hot air into a cool breeze. Understanding how refrigerant works in your AC system can help you maintain your unit. At WK Mechanical, Inc. in Middletown, NY, our experienced team assists customers with refrigerant levels, ensuring their AC units run properly all summer. Read on to learn more about the role refrigerant plays in AC units.
What is Refrigerant and How Does It Work?
Refrigerant is an important substance in all air conditioning units. It helps to cool your home down by changing hot air into cool air. Here’s how it works:
The air conditioner compresses refrigerant gas, which raises the pressure and temperature of the gas. This gas moves throughout the condenser coils. Heat is released outside as it moves through the coils, and the gas is condensed into a liquid. This liquid moves throughout the evaporator coils in your home, where the high pressure drops to low pressure, and the liquid refrigerant evaporates into a gas. This cycle change cools the air and then circulates throughout your home. If you have too much refrigerant, your system will experience excessive pressure and struggle to operate efficiently. If you have too little refrigerant, your system will have difficulty cooling your home. Having the proper refrigerant level in your home is necessary for a cool, comfortable living space.
Consequences and Dangers of Low Refrigerant Levels
Low refrigerant levels in your air conditioning system can lead to serious consequences. The first consequence is that the system cannot absorb heat effectively, so your home stays warm even though your AC unit is working at its full capacity. This also means that your system will use more energy to cool down your home, which harms your unit and raises your energy bills. In simpler terms, low refrigerant levels can make your AC unit work harder, resulting in increased energy costs and potential damage to your system.
Another common problem that we see with AC units that have low refrigerant levels is that the evaporator coils begin to freeze because there is not enough heat absorption, which limits the AC’s ability to cool your home. Over time, continually running your AC unit with low refrigerant can damage your compressor, which is an expensive component of your AC to replace. Low refrigerant levels need to be maintained and fixed through professional methods to make sure that your air conditioner is running properly and that your AC unit will last for years to come.
Signs Your AC System Needs a Refrigerant Check
Recognizing when your AC system needs a refrigerant check is important part of proper maintenace. Several signs can indicate a low refrigerant level. One sign is decreased cooling performance. If you notice that your AC isn’t cooling your home as well as it usually does, even though the unit is running a lot, then you may have a low level of refrigerant. Another common sign is warm air blowing throughout your home. If you notice warm air blowing, your unit may be dangerously low on refrigerant. Yet another common sign that we see is ice build-up. Excessive frost on evaporator coils points to an issue and is usually a result of refrigerant levels because low levels can cause the coils to become too cold. Understanding these signs can help you identify potential issues with your AC unit and take proactive measures to maintain its performance.
Tips for Maintaining Proper Refrigerant Levels in Your AC System
Maintaining proper refrigerant levels is one of the best ways to protect your AC system. Schedule regular maintenance with a qualified HVAC technician to check refrigeration levels and address any leaks. We recommend annual or bi-annual inspections depending on the size of your machine and the size of your home. These inspections can help you avoid expensive repairs and high energy bills. We also recommend checking the performance of your AC unit and being aware of how often it runs and how efficiently it cools your home so you’re aware of any changes. We also recommend avoiding DIY refrigerant refills. Refrigerant handling requires specialized equipment and knowledge. It’s best to leave refills and adjustments to trained professionals to avoid damage and health concerns.
Contact Us Today
Refrigerant is an essential component of your AC system and makes it possible for your home to stay cool and comfortable year-round. Regularly monitoring and maintaining your AC unit’s refrigeration levels can prevent potential issues, help you save energy, and extend the lifespan of your appliance. If you have an issue with your refrigerant, schedule a professional maintenance check today. Contact us now to book an appointment with our experienced technicians and enjoy a cool, comfortable home. We also provide commercial and residential AC services, boiler, water quality, generator, and indoor air quality services.
