Air conditioners are complex systems with many components. One of these components is refrigerant. It’s easy for people to imagine that it gets used up or depleted, but this is absolutely not the case. Refrigerant circulates between evaporator coils and condenser coils, turning into a gas and into a liquid again over and over, absorbing heat indoors and releasing it outdoors.
Your air conditioner consumes energy in the form of electricity, but it does not consume refrigerant. When it was manufactured, it was made with exactly the amount of refrigerant it needs for this purpose. But why have you heard of AC units being low on refrigerant? Why would that happen, and what should you do about it?
Refrigerant Exists in a Closed Loop
The refrigerant in your AC unit is always cycling through the metal tubing of the evaporator and condenser coils, and that tubing connects to itself in a closed loop. The refrigerant never enters or exits this tubing unless there is a leak.
Leak Prevention
The best way to make sure you avoid refrigerant leaks is with regular maintenance. A qualified technician will make sure your AC unit is in good condition, and they can spot problems before they worsen, lengthening the life of your air conditioner. But, even with good maintenance, a refrigerant leak can occur as the coils degrade over time, especially in an AC unit that has been running for well over a decade.
Signs of a Possible Refrigerant Leak
If you notice ice forming on the coils, noises that sound like air inside the tubing such as a hiss or bubble, or a decrease in the cooling ability of your unit, leaving parts of your home hotter than they used to be, it is possible that your AC unit has developed a refrigerant leak.
Professional Repair is Critical
Refrigerant is a substance that should only be handled by professionals. Our technicians in AC repair in Satellite Beach, FL are qualified, experienced, and licensed to work with refrigerants. We invest in our technicians so they will have the training to give you, the customer, the best possible experience.
Repairing Leaks Can Save You Money
A refrigerant leak that is not properly repaired leads to a change in pressure inside your air conditioner, and that puts a lot of strain on the compressor. The compressor is the part of the AC unit that you really don’t want to have to replace. Unless your system is still under warranty and has had annual maintenance, the cost of replacing the compressor might be as high as getting a new air conditioner. Getting regular professional maintenance, watching for signs of trouble, and repairing leaks promptly can keep your existing AC unit running for much longer.
Contact Climate Experts Air, Plumbing & Electric today to schedule an appointment with our professionals.
