I Think Outside is Low on Freon
How Do You Know Your Unit is Low on Freon?
- Are you experiencing reduced Cooling Efficiency?
- Longer Cooling Cycles? Is your unit running longer to achieve the set temperature?
- Are your energy bills rising? Inefficiency due to low refrigerant levels will cause higher energy consumption.
- Is warm Air blowing From Your Vents – The AC will blow warm or lukewarm air instead of cold air.
- Do you have Ice Build-Up on Evaporator Coils ?- Low Freon might cause the evaporator coils to freeze.
- Is there a Hissing or Bubbling Sounds from your unit?- These noises can indicate a refrigerant leak.
If your AC is not cooling as effectively as it should, it could be low on Freon. Freon is a trademark name for a class of refrigerants used in air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Freon works by cycling through a system of compression and expansion. It absorbs heat from the environment and releases it elsewhere, thereby cooling the air.
What will happen to my unit if I just let it go?
- Your unit will exhibit decreased Efficiency – The AC will struggle to cool your home, leading to discomfort.
- Consequently, running inefficient units will significantly raise electricity costs.
- Your HVAC unit could experience potential damage. Hence, operating with low refrigerant will cause the compressor to overheat and fail, leading to costly repairs or replacements.
- Increase Wear and Tear – The system will work harder, reducing its lifespan.
- Leaking Freon contributes to the depletion of the ozone layer. As a result, this has an environmental impact.
What are my Options for repairing AC units with low refrigerant levels?
The first option is a simple refrigerant recharge. In this case, it involves adding additional coolant to the system until it reaches its proper level, as indicated by your technician’s gauge readings during a service call.
Are AC leaks worth repairing?
If the unit is relatively new, it may be worth repairing the leak as long as the repair cost is not significantly more than the cost of a new unit or if you are not ready to replace your unit at that time. In this case, the unit should have many more years of life left after the repair. Therefore, the severity of the leak is another factor to consider.
A leak usually causes low refrigerant in an AC unit. A technician should check for leaks before adding more refrigerant, as adding more may only provide a temporary solution. At the same time financially, if this is all you are able to afford to do to keep your unit going. Otherwise replacing the system may be more practical if the AC is 12 years or older.
Call AC Dave Heating and Air
In this case, if you notice any of the above symptoms indicating your Freon is low, please call our office and schedule a technician 661 270 1961.