When your air conditioner is not cooling down the home it can be due to a number of different problems, one being low refrigerant. The loss of refrigerant is not due to use like many people assume. Refrigerant recycles itself during each cooling cycle, which in turn means it should never run out. When the refrigerant is low this indicates a leak somewhere in the air conditioning system. New York Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing will share how to troubleshoot low refrigerant and what you should do when there is a leak in your air conditioning system.
What is the Role of Refrigerant in Cooling?
The refrigerant is essential to the cooling system and without the air conditioner cannot create the needed cool air. During the cooling cycle the refrigerant evaporates and condenses. It then changes from a liquid into a gas and back into a liquid again. When the refrigerant condenses, it chills the air which is then circulated throughout the home. When the refrigerant runs low, you will notice that your air conditioner is not making cool air. When the refrigerant runs low it is important to locate the leak and repair it to ensure a proper and healthy air conditioning system.
What Happens when AC Refrigerant is Low?
When an air conditioner is low on refrigerant the air conditioner will struggle to operate correctly. When the refrigerant is low it will develop certain signs. Below are some of the common signs and symptoms to look for when the refrigerant is low:
• The home still feels warm or is not cooling down to the thermostat’s setting.
• The air conditioner begins to short cycle, which is when the air conditioner rapidly starts and then turns off.
• The air conditioner is running more often, which will increase your power bill.
• You hear a hissing noise, which is the refrigerant leaking out.
• Ice builds up around the air conditioner, and in most cases around the condenser coils or evaporator coils.
Can Low Refrigerant Damage Compressor?
One of the dangers of not detecting a refrigerant leak is the compounding problems that can occur. Not only does the refrigerant produce the cool air, but the cool air helps to keep the air conditioner unit cool while it is running. Often when the refrigerant is low the compressor will overheat and break down. Not only do you have a refrigerant problem but now you must replace your compressor. When a refrigerant leak occurs you will want to turn off the air conditioning. You should then contact an HVAC service to come and locate the site of the leak. They will be able to repair the leak and refill the refrigerant. It is important to not run the air conditioner until the leak is repaired to prevent additional damages. Repairing a leak is much more affordable and faster to fix than replacing a compressor.
Air Conditioning Repair, Maintenance, Replacement & More in Bedford Hills, Manhattan, Flushing, Queens, Brooklyn & The Bronx, New York
When you have a refrigerant leak and you need your air conditioner repaired, New York Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbingcan help. We provide quality HVAC and plumbing services. To schedule our services, contact New York Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing today.
