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Refrigerant is vital to letting your air conditioner do what it does. However, this is also one of the most easily misunderstood aspects of your AC system!
If something goes wrong with your refrigerant line and impacts the pressure and quantity of this substance, you’ll see an impact on your AC system’s ability to cool your home. How can you avoid letting this problem go unaddressed?
The best way to know how to help your AC is to know a bit more about your refrigerant so you can easily figure out when something is wrong with it. That way you know exactly when to reach out for AC repair in Miami.
What Role Does Refrigerant Play?
First things first, let’s talk about what your refrigerant does in your system. Refrigerant serves as what is known as a “heat transfer medium.” This translates to mean that your refrigerant is going to help move heat out of your home, creating the cool air that you are looking for.
On a side note, if you have a heat pump, the system can actually reverse its refrigerant flow. This allows the refrigerant to bring heat into the home in the winter.
Is Refrigerant Used Up?
Refrigerant runs in what’s known as a closed-loop system. This is similar to the steering fluid in your car or the coolant in your PC system. It isn’t supposed to run out or need to be topped off. If you are noticing signs that there is refrigerant escaping from your AC system, it is best to have a technician come check things out. This is going to be an indicator of a leak in your refrigerant line.
What are the possible signs your system is losing refrigerant?
Unless you can see the part of the line leaking refrigerant, it can be harder to determine whether or not you have a leak. This is why it is good to know the warning signs of a refrigerant leak. These warning signs include:
- Reduced cooling throughout the house
- Short cycling operation
- Ice collecting on the evaporator coil
- Hissing or bubbling noises
Is All Refrigerant the Same?
Not all refrigerant is the same. There are different versions of this substance, with new types in production as producers continue to make refrigerants more eco-friendly and efficient. This is important to understand because, if your system starts to leak, the type of refrigerant it has in it can define whether you need a system repair or replacement.
Let’s say you have an older system that still uses R-22. This refrigerant type is no longer in production. This means if you spring a leak, the cost to refill your refrigerant will be exorbitantly large or it may be impossible. In this case, you’d need a replacement of your system.
If you aren’t sure about what kind of refrigerant is in your system, you can always talk to one of our technicians to help you figure it out. This way you’ll be prepared should you ever encounter a refrigerant leak.
Can I Handle a Refrigerant Leak Myself?
It can feel tempting to try to DIY your AC system repairs but we strongly advise leaving it to the professionals. Refrigerant leaks aren’t something that the average person can handle with duct tape and a Youtube guide. Come to the experts on our team to get your refrigerant leaks repaired and handle all the other AC repairs you may need.
Contact Air On Demand today to schedule your repairs for your air conditioner.