When it comes to air conditioning units, getting the refrigerant charge just right is very important. Both overcharging when there is too much refrigerant and undercharging where there is too little refrigerant can impact the efficiency of your system. Not having the proper charge can decrease the air conditioner’s lifespan, and your indoor comfort. Additionally, there are potential dangers to both the equipment and the environment. Air Supply Heating & Air Conditioning will share signs and risks connected with incorrect refrigerant levels in your air conditioning system.
What Does an Overcharged AC Look & Sound Like?
As a homeowner you will want to know when your air conditioner is having a problem. In the event you have an incorrect charge or refrigerant level, here are the signs to watch for in an over and undercharged cooling system. Signs of an overcharged air conditioner are:
• Reduced Cooling: Your system may struggle to cool the room or take longer than usual.
• Higher Energy Bills: Overcharging can reduce the system’s efficiency, causing it to work harder and consume more energy.
• Tripping Circuit Breaker: The extra pressure from an overcharge can cause the cooling system’s compressor to overwork, leading to increased current draw and potentially tripping the circuit breaker.
• Frozen Coils: The refrigerant won’t evaporate correctly in an overcharged system, which can result in a frozen evaporator coil.
• Unusual Noises: Overcharging can lead to fluid getting into the compressor, causing knocking or bubbling sounds.
How Do You Know if Your AC is Undercharged?
Signs of an undercharged air conditioner include:
• Insufficient Cooling: An undercharged system may not cool your home effectively.
• Longer Run Times: The system might run longer to achieve the set temperature.
• Warm Air from Vents: The system may blow lukewarm air due to reduced refrigeration capacity.
• Ice Build-up: Reduced refrigerant can cause the evaporator coil to become too cold, leading to ice build-up.
• Hissing Sounds: A common cause of undercharging is a refrigerant leak, which might produce a hissing or bubbling sound.
Dangers of Improper Refrigerant Charge
When the air conditioner does not have the right amount of refrigerant, it can lead to a number of different dangers or risks to the cooling system. Some of the common dangers or risks of the levels of an under or over charge air conditioning system are:
• Damaged Compressor: The compressor relies on the refrigerant to cool it down. Incorrect refrigerant levels can lead to overheating or liquid slugging, both of which can damage the compressor.
• Reduced Lifespan: When an air conditioner will not run correctly due to incorrect refrigerant levels, it puts more strain on the system components, reducing their lifespan.
• Environmental Concerns: Refrigerant leaks not only result in an undercharged system but also pose a threat to the environment. Some refrigerants are greenhouse gases that can contribute to global warming when released into the atmosphere.
• Increased Repair Costs: Operating with incorrect refrigerant levels can lead to frequent breakdowns and, consequently, increased repair costs.
Central Air Conditioning & Heating Diagnosis, Repair, Replacement, Maintenance & More in Summerlin, North LV, Henderson, Centennial, Enterprise, Lone Mountain Village, Paradise, Sunrise Manor, Spring Valley, Aliante, Desert Shores, Eldorado, Peccole Ranch, Silverado Ranch, Tuscany Village, Whitney, Winchester & Las Vegas Nevada
Regular maintenance by a professional HVAC technician is essential to ensure that your air conditioner operates with the correct refrigerant charge. If you suspect that your system is either overcharged or undercharged, it is essential to seek professional help immediately. For quality HVAC services, contact Air Supply Heating & Air Conditioning today.