An air conditioner uses refrigerant as a heat transfer medium. The refrigerant may sometimes leak out, and the AC unit may start experiencing problems. Here are the symptoms of low refrigerant levels necessitating AC maintenance services:
Frozen Evaporator Coil
An evaporator coil normally retains temperatures above freezing point. Low refrigerant levels cause the evaporator coil temperatures to drop much lower. The coil fails to absorb enough heat to warm the refrigerant. Humidity from the air settles and freezes on the coil. Ice buildup reduces the AC’s cooling capacity and causes water damage from dripping. The residual coolant remains unused and fails to transfer heat through the system.
Frozen Refrigerant Suction Line
The refrigerant suction line connects the AC to the evaporator coil. It comprises two copper lines of different sizes. The larger one is insulated, and the smaller one is uninsulated and carries liquid. Coolant leaks reduce pressure inside the copper tubes, which causes the refrigerant to freeze inside the evaporator coil and restricts airflow. Without airflow, refrigerant doesn’t absorb heat, and the freezing extends to the suction line.
Warm Air From the Vents
When refrigerant levels are low, air from the vents feels warmer than usual. Refrigerant fails to effectively absorb heat from indoor air. The indoor evaporator coil also forms ice and fails to cool the air passing through it. AC maintenance services can diagnose causes of low coolant levels.
AC Short Cycling
When circulating the system, refrigerant experiences temperature and pressure changes. Low levels cause an imbalance and lead to lines freezing and the compressor overheating. Extremely high temperatures in the compressor cause short cycling in the AC unit. You notice the AC switching off and on frequently after short periods. This will cause your system to use more energy than necessary to cool your space.
Hissing Noises From the AC
Noise coming from the system indicates a problem with the refrigerant. A crack in the AC refrigerant lines can cause leaks, which may produce a hissing sound as the refrigerant leaks out. In some cases, the leaks also produce gurgling sounds.
Reduced Cooling Efficiency
When the coolant levels are reduced, the AC does not cool your home efficiently. It takes much longer to reach optimal temperatures. The system may run much longer but the room does not get cool enough. The system components will also start to wear and tear faster than they are supposed to.
Increased Energy Bills
When your AC is low on refrigerant, it strains during operation. A unit that runs longer to cool the house consumes more energy. High energy consumption is reflected in your utility bills. A strained system can become damaged more often and subject you to repair expenses.
Failure to Reach Thermostat Settings
Low refrigerant levels make it difficult for your AC unit to match thermostat settings. Whenever you adjust indoor temperature settings, the system does not perform as expected and loses its cooling ability. A professional AC technician will evaluate your unit to make sure it reaches accurate temperatures.
Water Around the Heater
Moisture or water around the AC system’s furnace indicates low refrigerant. The moisture comes from the melting ice around the evaporator coil. Melting ice around the copper tubing can cause water to accumulate around the heater. Along with a reduced cooling capacity, water accumulation may also lead to mold and mildew growth.
Learn More About AC Maintenance Services
The condenser, evaporator, and compressor work with refrigerant to absorb and release heat. If the closed-loop system in your AC has a problem, refrigerant will leak out. Contact a reputable heating and AC company to learn more about AC maintenance services.
