Refrigerant, or coolant, is a vital component of your cooling system. If your AC is low on refrigerant, your home may feel unpleasantly warm and sticky during humid summers in The Hamptons.
How can you tell whether your AC needs more coolant? Check for the following symptoms of low refrigerant in AC units. If you suspect your cooling system has a refrigerant leak, call our highly rated AC repair in Southampton, NY.
How Refrigerant Works
Refrigerant circulates through your cooling system, absorbing heat and shifting between liquid and gas phases. In the gas phase, refrigerant collects heat from the room. When it flows through the condenser, it releases the heat and turns into liquid again.
As cooling systems evolved, commonly used refrigerants became safer, more efficient, and more environmentally friendly. About 15 years ago, AC manufacturers switched from ozone-depleting Freon to eco-friendly coolants like R-410A or Puron.
Signs of Low Refrigerant in Your Hamptons Home
Normally, refrigerant runs on a closed cycle and shouldn’t be depleted. If your unit is low on refrigerant, there must be a leak somewhere within the system.
Low refrigerant is bad news for your home comfort and your cooling system. Pay attention to these common symptoms of low refrigerant in AC units.
1. Weak Airflow
If your cooling system doesn’t have enough refrigerant, you may notice a weaker air current coming from your unit. This usually happens because low refrigerant gets too cold, makes the evaporator coil freeze, and causes ice buildup, restricting airflow. As the ice melts, you may also notice a drip or water pooling under your AC.
2. Warm Air
Place your hand in front of an air vent. Does the air blowing out feel much warmer than usual? If you crank up the AC but keep sweating indoors, your system may be low on refrigerant. Without enough refrigerant, the AC unit won’t be able to absorb heat as efficiently, so warmer air will come out of your vents.
3. Hissing Sounds
If the refrigerant leak is big enough, you may notice a hissing noise from the indoor or outdoor unit. That’s the sound the coolant makes as it escapes the system. You may also hear bubbling if the refrigerant is leaking in its liquid form. In addition, you will probably feel uncomfortably warm.
4. Long Cooling Cycles
When refrigerant levels are low, your AC unit will work much harder to cool your home. The cooling system will run for longer cycles since it takes more time to achieve the needed temperature. Alternatively, your system may short-cycle as it struggles to meet the temperature settings.
A normal AC cycle lasts 15 to 20 minutes. Pay attention to your cooling system cycles. If your unit turns off after working only a few minutes, or if it runs non-stop for an hour, you have a problem.
5. Increased Energy Bills
A cooling system without enough refrigerant will run less efficiently and waste a lot of energy. That’s why abnormally high energy bills are likewise among the symptoms of low refrigerant in AC units. If you don’t run your AC or other appliances more than usual, and if you live in a home with quality insulation, skyrocketing electric bills are a red flag.
Of course, energy costs fluctuate throughout the year, with July and August typically seeing the heaviest AC use in The Hamptons. Monitor your electricity use and compare your current bills to those from previous years. Also, check the electricity costs per kWh because these may change.
Diagnosing Low Refrigerant
Low refrigerant doesn’t just make your indoors frustratingly warm. It can damage your compressor and wear down your cooling system prematurely. If you suspect a refrigerant leak, you need to resolve this problem as soon as possible.
The issues we mentioned above can also occur for other reasons, like a dirty filter, wrong thermostat settings, or worn-out mechanical parts. Only a licensed AC technician can diagnose the problem correctly and suggest an appropriate solution. Please don’t wait until your cooling system breaks down completely! Calling the pros in time may save you money on expensive repairs.
Do You Suspect Low Refrigerant? Call Us for Professional AC Repair in The Hamptons
Does your cooling system show symptoms of low refrigerant in AC units? Get in touch with us at Complete Comfort Control. Our skilled technicians are well-versed in different types of AC refrigerant and can quickly diagnose and fix a coolant leak or any other AC issue. Contact us today to schedule a service call in The Hamptons.