Summer is in full swing, and air conditioning units are cranked on high! With the summer heat bearing down, we wanted to use our technical knowledge to share some tips for staying cool.
Did you know refrigerant is a vital component to keeping your air conditioner running smoothly? With low levels of refrigerant, your AC unit will not cool your home properly. Bottom line: low refrigerant not only impacts your comfort and cool factor in your home, but it also damages your air conditioner in the long run.
Contrary to popular belief, air conditioners do not consume refrigerant because they are closed loop systems. As a result, a low amount of refrigerant points to a leak, which should be addressed and examined by a professional before you take matters into your own hands and fill your unit with more refrigerant.
Refrigerant could be low because of installation problems, or a leak. There are a handful of telltale signs that point to low levels of refrigerant. Here’s what to look for:
Your home takes forever to cool off
In the middle of a hot and dry summer, the last thing you want is warm air blowing out of your vents. Without the proper amount of refrigerant, your air conditioner will not function properly and will fail to supply cool air throughout your home.
Supply vent blows warm air
Low levels of refrigerant reduce the overall efficiency of your air conditioner. Consequently, your AC unit will blow lukewarm or warm air rather than the cool, refreshing air you’re hoping for.
Higher electric bills
If your air conditioner is low on refrigerant, your AC unit will be forced to work harder, which subsequently translates to higher electric bills. We encourage you to keep an eye on your electric bill, as it will allow you to spot problems, such as low refrigerant, early on.
If you have determined that your air conditioner is, in fact, low on refrigerant, you may be asking yourself, “What next?” Let’s be clear: the solution is not pouring more refrigerant into your AC unit. This will not solve anything — you need to contact a qualified HVAC technician to come and take a look at your unit.
When it comes to other matters of the home, trust the award-winning experts at Blue Ox Heating and Air. We value the relationship we have with our customers and the quality of service we offer them. If you have reason to believe your air conditioner is low on refrigerant, call in the experts.
