Refrigerant is a vital component for your air conditioners. It facilitates the heat exchange process, ensuring that it functions efficiently and keeps our living and working spaces comfortable. However, low refrigerant levels can lead to several issues, impacting the performance and lifespan of the cooling system. Air Supply Heating & Air Conditioning is here to talk about the signs of low refrigerant and the consequences it can have on cooling equipment.

Reduced Cooling Capacity

One of the most obvious signs of low refrigerant is a decrease in the cooling capacity of the system. If you feel your air blowing out of the vent and it feels warmer than it should be, it could be low on refrigerant. As the refrigerant level drops, the cooling system struggles to absorb heat from the indoor air effectively. Consequently, the air conditioner will take longer to reach the desired temperature. It may struggle more during the day and then catch up and cool down your house at night.

Warm Air Blowing from Ducts

If you notice warm air coming out of the vents when the system is set to cool, it could be a variety of issues. One of those issues could be refrigerant levels. The refrigerant is responsible for absorbing heat from the indoor air, and when its levels are insufficient, the system will fail to cool the air properly.

Ice Build-Up on Evaporator Coil

Low refrigerant can lead to ice build-up on the evaporator coil. As the refrigerant level decreases, the coil’s temperature drops causing moisture in the air to freeze on its surface. This ice build-up further restricts the system’s ability to function efficiently, causing a cooling problem.

Hissing or Bubbling Sounds

A hissing or bubbling sound near the cooling system could indicate a refrigerant leak. Low refrigerant levels often result from leaks in the system’s coils or connections. If you notice such sounds, it is crucial to seek professional assistance to locate and repair the leak.

Increased Energy Bills

When your cooling system operates with low refrigerant, it struggles to achieve the desired cooling levels. Consequently, it has to work harder and longer to maintain the set temperature, leading to increased energy consumption. If you notice a significant spike in your energy bills without a corresponding increase in usage, low refrigerant levels might be the culprit.

Short Cycling

A cooling system experiencing low refrigerant levels may frequently cycle on and off in short bursts. This is known as short cycling and is a result of the system’s struggle to reach the desired temperature efficiently. Frequent cycling not only decreases the system’s efficiency but also puts a lot of strain on its components, leading to further malfunctions.

Central Air Conditioning 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

Low refrigerant levels can impact the AC performance and longevity of your cooling system. Recognizing the signs of low refrigerant is important to help your AC run properly. If you suspect that your cooling system has low refrigerant levels, it is crucial to contact Air Supply Heating & Air Conditioning to diagnose and fix the problem.