Any air conditioning contractor will tell you that refrigerant is a vital component of your central cooling system. As a substance that undergoes phase transitions from a liquid to a gas and back again, it absorbs and releases heat. An AC without a proper amount of refrigerant won’t run at peak performance, affecting the comfort level and energy efficiency of your home while also potentially damaging your system. Here are some of the most common signs that your air conditioner is running low.

How to Know Your Air Conditioner Needs Refrigerant

1. Air Isn’t Cold Enough

A properly functioning air conditioner removes the heat from inside your home, runs the warm air through the system, and cools it before returning it to each room. When refrigerant is running low, the air blowing out of the vents may feel warm, and the system will struggle to keep up with what the thermostat is telling it to do. 

2. Ice Outside the Unit

When an air conditioning system is low on refrigerant, it won’t be able to absorb as much heat from your home’s air. This means that the inside of your AC can actually freeze, blocking the airflow and reducing the amount of air that comes out of the vents. This freezing can eventually spread to the rest of the unit, causing ice buildup on the refrigerant lines and exterior coils. If you notice this on your air conditioner, call an air conditioning contractor to address your refrigerant levels.

3. Prevalent Hissing Noise

The main cause of low refrigerant levels is leakage. A large enough leak can cause a light hissing or bubbling noise that can come from any point along the refrigerant line. If you hear any strange noises coming from your unit, call an air conditioning contractor to take a look. If there’s a leak, additional AC repairs will need to be made before adding more refrigerant.

 

Is your air conditioning unit low on refrigerant? To prevent AC breakdowns and keep your home comfortable, turn to the professionals at Pell City Heating & Cooling. Serving the St. Clair County, AL, area since 1956, their team of highly qualified air conditioning contractors offers reliable HVAC repairs, air conditioning maintenance, and heating installation. To learn more about their HVAC services, visit their website or call (205) 338-2820 to schedule your free estimate today.