Your air conditioner operates by cooling warm air by circulating refrigerant through its coils. One common question our HVAC service technicians encounter at Lex Air is whether more refrigerant is needed when an air conditioner isn’t performing optimally.
The answer is usually straightforward: no. The refrigerant lines in your air conditioner run in a closed loop, meaning it continuously cycles without being released or consumed, unlike fuel in a car. Therefore, you typically don’t need to refill the refrigerant.
However, there is an exception to this rule. If you experience a refrigerant leak, which can stem from a number of factors, it will then require replacing.
If you think your air conditioning system may have a refrigerant leak, don’t try to fix the problem alone. Call the experienced Carrollton AC service contractors at Lex Air Conditioning and Heating for professional assistance right away. You can reach us by phone anytime at (972) 217-8955 or via our online intake form today!
What is Coolant?
Coolant, often referred to as refrigerant, is an important chemical compound used in air conditioning systems to remove heat from cars or indoor spaces and return cool air. Here’s how it works:
- The AC compressor starts by increasing the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant, which is a gas at this stage.
- The refrigerant gas passes over the condenser coils and turns into a liquid.
- The liquid coolant passes back through the refrigerant lines to the evaporator coil, where it absorbs heat from its surroundings and changes back into a vaporous state.
- A fan blows indoor air across the evaporator coils, effectively removing heat from the air and releasing it outside, back to the compressor to restart the process.
- The system works together to circulate cooled air throughout the home.
There are a number of refrigerants out there, but the one most people are familiar with is Freon, or R22. However, while still in some older AC units, Freon refrigerant is being phased out due to its ozone layer-depleting properties. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, phasing substances like Freon is expected to avoid over 280 million cases of skin cancer, 1.6 million skin cancer deaths, and 45 million cases of cataracts in the U.S.
R22 refrigerant (Freon) is being replaced with more eco-friendly refrigerants like Puron ( R410A) and even carbon dioxide. If you have an older unit, you may want to consider replacing your AC unit if it still uses Freon. Our Carrollton AC installation pros can help – call today.
The Importance of Proper Refrigerant Levels in Your AC Unit
It is important to keep the proper levels of refrigerant in your AC unit, as it can have an impact on the system’s efficiency and overall performance with its components. Most central air conditioning systems use two to four pounds of refrigerant per ton of cooling cycle capacity. A 3-ton unit, for example, would typically have six to twelve pounds of refrigerant.
Improper coolant levels due to a potential leak or poorly installed unit can cause serious damage, including environmentally harmful refrigerant leaking into your yard. This can dramatically reduce the cooling efficiency of your air conditioner and require an expensive repair and refill.
Do Home AC Units Need to Be Recharged?
A properly functioning air conditioning system should never require recharging with refrigerant. If your unit isn’t performing as expected or has low refrigerant levels, there is likely a problem with your system.
Despite common misconceptions, the coolant is not a fuel and does not power your AC like gas powers a furnace. Because it works in a constant, repetitive cycle and a closed system, it should not lose refrigerant naturally. Therefore, you don’t need to periodically refill your AC with Freon to maintain its operation.
Why Would an Air Conditioner Need More Refrigerant?
The only reason you may need a coolant refill is if there’s a leak, but it’s not as simple as just topping it off and moving on. Charging the system with coolant while there’s a leak is essentially wasting money, as the refrigerant will just keep escaping until the underlying problem is fixed. If you suspect a leak, contact Lex Air for AC repair in Carrollton, TX immediately.
Causes of Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant leaks in air conditioners can have various causes. Improper installation, such as loose fittings, improper connections, or inadequate sealing, is a common cause of refrigerant leaks. General wear and tear can also weaken joints and connections, and rubber seals around valves can deteriorate.
Other common causes include:
- Corrosion: Over time, the metal components of an HVAC system, particularly copper pipes and tubing, can corrode, leading to tiny holes and leaks.
- Vibrations: Constant vibrations from the HVAC unit can cause wear and tear on the refrigerant lines, resulting in leaks.
- Factory Defects: Manufacturing defects in the HVAC system can lead to weak points that may eventually leak refrigerant.
- Physical Damage: External factors such as accidental impacts or environmental debris can damage the refrigerant lines, causing leaks.
- Formic Acid: This acid can form in systems with copper tubing, leading to pinhole leaks over time.
- Faulty Schrader Valve: This valve, which is used for checking and charging refrigerant, can become faulty and cause leaks.
- Thermal Expansion and Contraction: Repeated heating and cooling cycles can cause the refrigerant lines to expand and contract, potentially leading to leaks.
- Improper Maintenance: Lack of regular HVAC maintenance can lead to undetected issues that eventually result in refrigerant leaks.
Look for Other Possible Solutions
Before you assume the issue has to do with low refrigerant, it’s important to look for other possible issues with your air conditioning system. In your investigation, ask yourself the following questions:
- Is the air coming out cool but really weak?
- Is there hot air blowing from your vents?
- Does the unit keep turning on and off?
- Is your thermostat programmed correctly?
Take some time to troubleshoot your air conditioner instead of wasting money on more coolant that likely won’t solve the underlying issue. If you’re unable to get the AC running properly, call a local AC repair technician from Lex Air to diagnose the problem and provide the best possible solution at the best cost.
Signs Your AC Coolant Needs To Be Refilled
There are several signs that may indicate that your AC coolant may need to be refilled due to a potential leak. These include:
- Poor Cooling Performance: If your air conditioner is struggling to cool your space effectively, despite running continuously, it could be a sign that the coolant levels are insufficient.
- Higher Energy Bills: When coolant levels are low, your AC has to work harder to achieve the desired temperature, resulting in increased energy consumption and higher utility bills than normal.
- Ice Buildup on the Evaporator Coil: Excessive ice buildup on the evaporator coil, which is located inside the indoor unit, suggests a potential coolant deficiency. This occurs because low coolant levels can cause the coil to become too cold and freeze moisture from the air.
- Hissing or Strange Noises: Unusual sounds, such as hissing or gurgling noises coming from the air conditioner, often indicate issues with the coolant, such as leaks or low levels.
- Frequent Cycling On and Off: If your AC frequently cycles on and off rapidly, which is called short cycling, it may be a response to inadequate coolant levels.
Monitoring these signs and symptoms is crucial for maintaining the efficiency of your air conditioning system. If you notice any of these indicators, it’s important to consult a professional HVAC technician right away to diagnose and address the coolant levels in your AC system.
How is Air Conditioning Coolant Refilled?
Refilling coolant in your air conditioner begins with a professional inspection, leak detection, and diagnosis by one of our certified technicians to see if it needs a recharge or if there is another issue at play. If recharging is needed, the technician will first repair the leak before refilling the coolant. The next step is attaching refrigerant gauges to the AC service ports and connecting a vacuum pump to these guages. This allows the technician to completely remove any air and moisture in the system to ensure there are no more leaks.
Next, the tech will choose the correct refrigerant for your system and measure the amount needed before connecting the canister holding the refrigerant to the appropriate guages. They will then open the valve on the guages to conduct the slow, steady flow of coolant into the system while monitoring pressure and temperature readings to reach the desired levels. Once refilled, your AC technician will reconnect your unit’s power supply and test the system’s performance to ensure maximum cooling efficiency and the proper operation of all components.
It is very important to hire an experienced technician from a professional HVAC company to complete this process, as it can be very dangerous for homeowners to attempt without the proper knowledge, certifications, and tools. It can also cause extensive damage to your AC unit if done incorrectly.
Avoid DIY mishaps by allowing our team at Lex Air to help you with any of your heating or cooling needs with our same and next-day appointments. Our highly trained, state-certified technicians provide the excellent workmanship and fast service you expect. You can also call our 24/7 emergency line at (972) 217-8955 to get in touch right away.
How the Carrollton AC Service Pros at Lex Air Can Help
For over 20 years, residents and businesses in Carrollton, TX have trusted Lex Air Conditioning and Heating with their HVAC systems. We are fully licensed and take pride in our reliability, responsiveness, and fair pricing for all things heating and AC repair, installation, and replacement. We also provide preventative maintenance services to keep your HVAC unit in tip-top shape year-round.
Our Carrollton air conditioning service pros proudly serve both residential and commercial clients. We prioritize saving you money while maintaining the perfect temperature in your home and making sure everything is working properly and safely.
Schedule Your AC Repair or Maintenance Appointment Today
Lex Air Conditioning and Heating is known for being a premier provider of heating and air conditioning services in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, but we are also proud to provide residents and businesses in the region with professional plumbing solutions and electric services, as well!
Whether you’re dealing with low AC refrigerant levels, a leaking pipe, lighting installation, or anything of the sort, we’re the guys to call.
Simply reach out today by calling (972) 217-8955 or send us a message online to get in touch with an experienced Carrollton plumber, electrician, or HVAC technician on our team today!
