How to Tell If Your Refrigerant is Low in Your HVAC Unit and What to Do About It

Maintaining the optimal performance of your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) unit is crucial for keeping your home comfortable, especially in extreme weather conditions. One common issue that can affect your HVAC's efficiency is low refrigerant levels. In this blog post, we will explore the signs of it in your HVAC system and provide you with essential information on what to do about it.

Understanding Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the lifeblood of your air conditioning system, as it plays a pivotal role in cooling the air in your home. It's responsible for absorbing heat from the indoor air and releasing it outside, creating a comfortable environment. When the refrigerant levels in your HVAC unit drop, your system's ability to cool your home is compromised, leading to inefficiency and increased energy costs.

Signs of Low Refrigerant

Reduced Cooling Capacity:

The most obvious sign of low refrigerant is that your HVAC unit won't cool your home as effectively as it should. You might notice that even when the thermostat is set to a lower temperature, your space remains uncomfortably warm.

Longer Cooling Cycles:

Low refrigerant can cause your HVAC system to run longer than necessary, increasing wear and tear on the components and consuming more energy.

Warm Air Blowing from Vents:

If you feel warm air coming from your vents, especially when the AC is on, it could indicate low refrigerant levels.

Ice on the Evaporator Coils:

Low refrigerant can lead to the evaporator coils becoming too cold, causing ice buildup. If you notice ice on these coils, it's a sign that your system may be low on refrigerant.

What to Do About Low Refrigerant

If you suspect that your HVAC system is low on refrigerant, it's essential to address the issue promptly. Here's what you can do:

Contact a Professional:

HVAC systems are complex, and handling refrigerant requires specialized training and equipment. Therefore, it's best to contact a licensed HVAC technician to diagnose and resolve the issue.

Leak Detection:

The technician will first determine whether there is a refrigerant leak. If a leak is present, it will need to be repaired before adding more refrigerant.

Refrigerant Recharge:

If a leak is not detected, your technician will recharge your system with the appropriate amount of refrigerant. They will ensure that the levels are adjusted to manufacturer specifications for optimal performance.

Regular Maintenance:

Preventing low refrigerant levels is essential. Consider scheduling regular HVAC maintenance to catch and address any issues before they become major problems.

Conclusion

Low refrigerant levels in your HVAC system can lead to discomfort, increased energy costs, and potential damage to your equipment. If you notice any of the signs mentioned in this article, don't hesitate to contact a professional HVAC technician. They will assess your system, identify the root cause, and restore your HVAC unit to its optimal performance, ensuring you enjoy a cool and comfortable home. Regular maintenance will also help prevent low refrigerant levels and keep your system running efficiently for years to come.

Here at Kennon Heating & Air Conditioning we want you to enjoy your home to the fullest. That starts with making sure that the air in your home is clean and at the perfect temperature for you. If we can help in any way, please contact us via email or phone (678) 251-9776. Stay cool, stay cozy.