The idea behind refrigerant can be a bit confusing for some people, as many people believe that refrigerant is like a fuel that will eventually deplete. However, this is not so. Refrigerant is constantly going through a process that basically recycles itself. You should never run out of refrigerant unless the air conditioner has developed a problem that has led to refrigerant loss. To better understand how refrigerant works, and how to detect refrigerant loss, Hal Mechanical will go into further detail below.
How Does AC Refrigerant Get Cold?
As many people do know, it is the refrigerant that cools the air. An air conditioner will not be able to create the cool air for your home without refrigerant. The refrigerant goes through a process from changing into a liquid to a gas state. When the refrigerant converts between its different states, it evaporates and condenses. The refrigerant starts out as a liquid and is then pumped through the compressor where it evaporates and becomes a gas. The gas removes the heat and moisture from the air, creating cool air. When the air conditioner sucks the air from outside and into the home through the return vents, the gas is condensed and brings the refrigerant back into its liquid state. The cooling process ensures the refrigerant is recycled and provides the air conditioning system with a constant supply of refrigerant. If you have lost refrigerant, it is due to a problem and is most often a refrigerant leak.
What Does an AC Refrigerant Leak Look, Sound, Feel & Smell Like?
• If your air conditioner develops a refrigerant leak or refrigerant loss, you will notice this problem very quickly. The air conditioner will not be able to function properly without the proper amount of refrigerant. When your air conditioner is low on refrigerant, look for these classic signs or symptoms.
• The air inside the home isn’t cooling or is getting warmer.
• The air conditioner is short cycling, where it starts and turns off before finishing a cycle.
• Ice will begin to develop anywhere on the air conditioning system.
• The sound of a hissing noise near or around the air conditioner can be heard.
• A much higher power bill than normal.
• You may smell a sweet odor of ether or chloroform from the vents or the air conditioner itself. This is the odor of the refrigerant.
What Happens if Refrigerant is Low?
When the refrigerant is low and the air conditioner continues to run, it can cause additional problems. A refrigerant leak can cause the compressor to break down or fail. Often the compressor will need to be replaced which isn’t a cheap component. To avoid additional and costly air conditioner repair it is important to detect a refrigerant leak and turn off the cooling system until it can be repaired. A professional HVAC technician will be able to locate and repair the leak. Additionally, only a licensed HVAV technician can recharge your air conditioner refrigerant. To regain your home’s cooling system, seek out professional assistance as soon as a refrigerant leak is detected.
Emergency Air Conditioner Repair, Maintenance Services & More in Aliante, Centennial, Desert Shores, Eldorado, Enterprise, Green Valley Ranch, Henderson, Lone Mountain Village, North LV, Peccole Ranch, Paradise, Silverado Ranch, Spring Valley, Summerlin, Sunrise Manor, Tuscany Village, Whitney, Winchester & Las Vegas Nevada
If your home is feeling warm and or you have signs of a refrigerant leak, Hal Mechanical can help. We provide HVAC repair services and much more. For fast and quality services, contact Hal Mechanical and schedule our services today.
