If your AC hasn’t been working optimally, low refrigerant is often the first culprit. Here are five common signs that may indicate your AC is running low on refrigerant.
Refrigerant is the lifeblood of your air conditioner. Ideally, your AC shouldn’t need more refrigerant because it isn’t getting used up. Therefore, low refrigerant is usually an indication of a leak.
If your AC hasn’t been working optimally, low refrigerant is often the first culprit. Here are five common signs that may indicate your AC is running low on refrigerant.
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Air Coming from the Vents Isn’t Cold
Generally, air conditioners absorb heat from the room, cool it off, and blow out cool air. However, if there isn’t enough refrigerant, your air conditioner won’t absorb as much heat and will likely interfere with your AC’s cooling capabilities.
Ice or Frost Forming on Your AC Lines
If you see ice forming on the refrigerant lines of your AC, there’s generally a leak in the unit. A leak in the unit results in low refrigerant creating low pressure in the unit, and the evaporator coil becomes much cooler than normal, thereby freezing moisture along its lines.
Hissing or Bubbling Noise From the AC
Some modern AC units have sound-dampening technology to help reduce annoying noises from the unit. Therefore, persistent hissing or bubbling noises coming from your AC could mean your AC has a refrigerant leak.
Common places in an AC unit that can dissipate noise are the refrigerant line or the compressor valve. Fortunately, our experienced HVAC technicians can help determine what is causing the noise. Typically, a hissing noise from the unit may indicate that the refrigerant is leaking in gas form. At the same time, a bubbling sound could indicate that the refrigerant is leaking in liquid form.
The Temperature You Set Is Not Attained
You may notice that your AC unit has been running for a long time, however, the room isn’t getting any cooler. This could be an indication that the unit is running low on refrigerant. As we’ve mentioned, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air in the room. Therefore, if there isn’t enough refrigerant, the heat keeps circulating through without being absorbed and could be the reason why the temperature you set is not attained.
Abnormally High Electricity Bill
An increase in your electricity bill is a cause for concern. Low refrigerant in the AC system will generally result in a higher energy bill.
If there isn’t enough refrigerant, the AC unit isn’t dumping off as much heat as it should per cooling cycle. Then, the system has to run for longer to reach the temperature that you’ve set. If the system runs for longer, it consumes more energy, leading to a high electricity bill. Regular servicing by our technicians ensures that the AC is in good working condition and will also save you some money in the long run.
St. Louis Air Conditioning & Heating
If you have concerns that your AC is running low on refrigerant, contact Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating. Our qualified technicians can offer an accurate and thorough assessment of your AC unit and ensure it’s in good condition.
24/7 Service Call Now
30+ Years Experience – HVAC Engineer