Does it feel like your air conditioner is not working as efficiently as it should? One of the main reasons for this could be low refrigerant levels. Refrigerant is a vital component of your air conditioning unit, and when the levels are low, it can affect the performance of your AC.

 

We’ll teach you how to tell if your AC has low refrigerant levels, and what to do about it.

 

Improve Your Air Conditioner’s Lifespan with Refrigerant

Your air conditioner should last you for 15 to 20 years on average. However, there are ways to ensure you are getting the most bang for your hard-earned dollar during the lifespan of the AC unit by keeping an eye on refrigerant levels.

 

What to Look For in Your Air Conditioning Unit

If you suspect that your air conditioner is not working efficiently due to low refrigerant levels, here are a few things that you can look out for:

 

  • Warm Airflow

  • Poor Cooling

  • Ice Buildup

  • Hissing or Bubbling Sounds

 

Warm Airflow

If you're experiencing warm or hot air coming out of your AC vents instead of cool air, it could be a sign that your refrigerant levels are low. This is because refrigerant is responsible for absorbing heat from the air; without it, your AC won't be able to cool the air.

 

Poor Cooling

Another sign of low refrigerant levels is poor cooling performance. Your AC might not be able to cool your home to the desired temperature, or it might take longer than usual to do so.

 

Ice Buildup

If you notice ice buildup on your AC unit or the refrigerant lines, it clearly indicates insufficient refrigerant in the system. This is because low refrigerant levels cause the evaporator coil to freeze, resulting in ice buildup.

 

Hissing or Bubbling Sounds

Low refrigerant levels can cause hissing or bubbling sounds to come from your AC unit. This is because the refrigerant circulates through the AC system, and if there's not enough of it, air can get trapped in the lines, resulting in these sounds.

 

Low Refrigerant Can be Costly

The impact of low refrigerant on air conditioner performance not only can cause significant reductions in cooling capacity, but also it can hit you hard in the wallet.

 

If you notice any of the above signs, it's essential to call a professional HVAC technician to inspect your AC unit. They will be able to diagnose the problem and add more refrigerant to your system if needed.

 

A Little Bit of Maintenance Goes a Long Way

Don’t overspend when cooling your house this summer when some maintenance and following our helpful tips can save you money.

 

Get smart air conditioning and energy efficiency tips from your local One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning. For seasonal maintenance to 24/7 emergency repairs, we’re always here to help. Request an appointment today.