Do you know what refrigerant is? If you aren’t familiar with this substance, we want to give you some details on what it is used for in your central AC or heat pump.
Refrigerant is the substance that allows your air conditioner to produce cool air. Without it, your AC is really just a big fan system. And while whole homes fans are helpful, they won’t offer the comfort that a properly working AC does.
You want your AC to work the way it is supposed to–by creating cool air. To do that it needs refrigerant. And if you have a refrigerant leak, it is going to be a problem that needs to be addressed quickly before it costs you.
Refrigerant is a Transfer Medium
Let’s start with the fact that refrigerant is a transfer medium. By cycling refrigerant, this substance is able to absorb heat and then shift it outside. By doing this, your system creates cool air which is then blown outside.
Refrigerant Is NOT a Fuel; It Isn’t Used Up
As we just mentioned, refrigerant is a transfer medium that is cycled in a closed-loop system. It is NOT a fuel. The refrigerant in your AC system is not used up the way a fuel would be. If you start losing some of the refrigerant in your system, it isn’t normal, it is a sign of a problem that requires repairs.
Refrigerant Leaks Are a Big Problem
The loss of refrigerant from your air conditioner is going to be a sign that your AC has a refrigerant leak. These can occur over time due to regular use and system wear and tear. While refrigerant leaks aren’t uncommon, they are still a problem!
When your system develops a leak, it will negatively impact its ability to create cool air for your home. This will also increase the stress on your system and worsen its condition.
Signs of a Refrigerant Leak to Know
If you have a refrigerant leak you’ll want to have a professional address it as quickly as possible. Here are the warning signs that you should watch for to know when you may have a refrigerant leak that needs addressing:
- Your AC is short cycling: Shorted cooling cycles are going to indicate something hindering your AC.
- There is less cool air from the AC: Less refrigerant results in reduced production of cool air.
- Signs of a fluid leak: Depending on where the leak in your refrigerant leak is, you may see fluid leaking from your AC system.
- Ice on your evaporator coil: If you have a leak, you may end up with an iced-over evaporator coil before the refrigerant isn’t able to absorb heat as effectively as it should.
- Hissing or bubbling: These are noises that may be created when there is a leak in your refrigerant line.
Whether it is a refrigerant leak or another problem with your system, you can count on our team for your air conditioner repairs in Ashland.
Contact Air Supreme Heating and Air Conditioning to schedule your AC repairs. We are Your HVAC experts in Flatwoods, KY.