5 Signs Your AC Unit Needs Refrigerant

by Kevin Smith Author

Ah summer! With longer days, and more sunshine, we can look forward to afternoons in the park, relaxing in the pool, or sitting at home, sweating in the intense heat and humidity because the air conditioner is on the fritz. Summer isn't all fun and games. When it's hot out and the HVAC is busted, summer can be downright brutal. Sometimes, however, the solution is simple. Before calling experts in air conditioning installation in Buford, GA, look for these signs that your air conditioner is low on refrigerant.

1. It Takes Hours to Cool off the House

This is the most obvious sign that something isn't right. It gets hot, so you turn on the AC and nothing changes. Refrigerant acts to remove heat from the surrounding air. If there isn't enough of it, there's nothing to absorb that hot air to replace with the cool air.

2. Warm Air Is Emanating from the Supply Vent

If it seems like your house isn't getting any cooler, put your hand up to the supply vent. Is the air only lukewarm or hot? Well, that's pretty much a sure sign that you're low on refrigerant and, needless to say, that warm air won't be making your home any cooler.

3. Electric Bills Go up

It can happen steadily over time. You notice your home isn't getting any cooler, so you crank up the air conditioner. After a while, as it's still not getting any better, you drop the temperature again, hoping it'll make a difference. Then your electric bill arrives. Now you know something isn't right.

4. Refrigerant Line Has Ice Buildup

Pay a visit to the outside AC unit and take a look at the copper line. That's the refrigerant line. If you see that ice is building up on it, that's another sign that you're likely low on refrigerant. The buildup occurs because as the AC unit's evaporator coil gets too cold (due to the lack of refrigerant), the remaining refrigerant flows backwards into the refrigerant line, causing it to freeze. The danger is that the refrigerant may be forced all the way back to the outside unit's compressor, damaging or destroying it. Compressors are extremely expensive to replace, so let's not go there.

5. There Is a Hissing or Bubbling Noise

Refrigerant isn't used up like gasoline, so the only reason you'd run low is because there is a leak. If the leak is bad enough, you'll be able to hear it.

A leak in your AC unit doesn't have to be expensive or hard to fix. If you are low on refrigerant or find another problems, call professionals at air conditioning installation in Buford, GA.