Signs Your Home’s Air Conditioner May Need More Refrigerant

Anyone who lives in a hot climate knows that having a properly functioning air conditioning unit is absolutely essential during the summer months. But if your HVAC unit does not have the right amount of refrigerant, it won't be able to operate properly and provide the coolest air possible for your home. Some common signs that your air conditioner needs a refrigerant charge include:

Higher Energy Bills

The refrigerant in your air conditioner is essential for rapidly cooling air before it is blown into your home. If your HVAC unit does not have enough refrigerant, it will take longer to cool air and your air conditioner will have to run much longer in order to bring your house to a cool, comfortable temperature. If you notice a drastic increase in your electric bills during the summer, consider having your air conditioner inspected to see if it needs to be recharged to have refrigerant added.

Warm Air

After living in a home for a while, people typically know what to expect from their air conditioner and know how cold the air should be. If you begin noticing that the air coming out of the vents in your home is barely cool, you need to contact a reputable licensed HVAC company. When an air conditioner doesn't have the refrigerant it needs, it won't be able to cool air properly. Professional service can help rectify this type of problem. 

Strange Bubbling or Hissing Noise

As a homeowner, it is a good idea to visually inspect your HVAC unit while it is running on a regular basis. Doing so can help you identify problems that you may never notice from inside your house. If you happen to notice that their is a bubbling or hissing sound coming from your air conditioner, that is often a sign that the unit has a leak and refrigerant may be escaping. If you suspect a refrigerant leak, don't try to deal with it yourself-- refrigerant can be very toxic, and it should not be handled by someone without HVAC experience.

Ice on the Air Conditioner

When the refrigerant level isn't right, the HVAC unit can't run properly. If you notice that there is frost or ice on the exterior of your HVAC unit despite the fact that it is hot out and you're running the A/C, you may need to have more refrigerant added so it doesn't run erratically and cause ice or frost to form. 

For more information, contact local professionals like Smedley & Associates.


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