In the best-case scenario, an air conditioning system will never need more refrigerant. Unfortunately, over time, the coils transporting the substance will develop wear and tear that can cause leaks. The only way to tell for certain is to have a service technician inspect the system, but here are some common symptoms that indicate a problem. 

How to Tell if Your AC Is Low on Refrigerant

1. System Runs All Day

Normally, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air inside and cycles it outdoors. When there isn’t enough of it, it cannot adequately pull heat out of the air.

This causes the system to run for longer periods because the air blowing out of the vents isn’t cool enough to lower the indoor temperature to the thermostat setting. As the leak worsens, the air will become increasingly warmer. 

2. Spike in Utility Bills

If your electric bill seems higher this year than last, you may need to examine the air conditioning system. It’s one of the biggest energy consumers in your home. If it’s exhibiting a problem, such as low refrigerant, it will have to work much harder than normal to cool off the property.

3. Frozen Evaporator Coil

Under normal circumstances, the refrigerant flowing into the evaporator coil, located near the indoor air handler, is already cold enough to absorb the heat from the air. However, when there’s a leak, the pressure in the coil drops, causing the temperature to drop. Consequently, any moisture surrounding this part of the line will freeze. 

If you suspect your air conditioner has a refrigerant leak, contact the service technicians at Colburns Heating & Air Conditioning to keep your home comfortable. For nearly 50 years, they’ve provided repair, maintenance, and installation services for heating and air conditioning systems in Southwestern NY and Northwestern PA. Visit their website to learn more about their services, or call (716) 569-3695 to schedule an appointment.