Much like you rely on your air conditioner to keep you cool during the hot Arizona summers, your AC relies on coolant to help it do its job. Coolant is a chemical compound that transfers heat from your space to the outdoors to regulate temperatures within your home. If a leak or other malfunction causes coolant levels to drop, your AC can’t cool effectively, causing increased wear and tear, reduced energy efficiency, and uncomfortably warm indoor conditions.
This guide will walk you through the top warning signs of low AC coolant in your house, potential causes, and when to call for professional help.
The Role of Coolant in AC Systems
Coolant, also known as refrigerant, absorbs and transfers heat to cool your home. It begins as a cool liquid inside the evaporator coil, absorbing heat from the warm air inside your home and turning into a gas. It travels to the outdoor unit, where the compressor squeezes it from a low-pressure, low-temperature gas to a high-pressure, high-temperature gas. The hot gas moves through the outdoor coil and releases the heat outside. As it cools down, it becomes liquid and restarts the cycle.
Signs That the Coolant Needs Replacement
Without coolant, your air conditioner can’t cool your home. If levels get too low, you’ll notice warning signs that it’s struggling to operate.
Reduced cooling efficiency
Low refrigerant levels might be to blame if your AC struggles to keep your home cool on a hot, sunny day. You might notice it takes longer to reach your desired temperature, or the air from your vents isn’t as cold as it should be. When refrigerant levels drop, your air conditioner can’t effectively remove heat from your home, causing uncomfortable temperatures and reduced efficiency.
Hissing or bubbling noises
When coolant escapes from your AC, it often makes a loud sound due to the high pressure in the refrigerant lines. In its gas form, it’ll typically make a hissing noise, while liquid refrigerant tends to make a bubbling or gurgling sound.
Ice formation on the AC unit
The evaporator coils can become excessively cold if your air conditioner does not circulate enough coolant. Over time, condensation on the coil accumulates and freezes, forming a layer of ice on the coils or refrigerant lines. As the ice melts, you might notice weak airflow, cold air blowing from the vents, or moisture pooling around your unit.
Reasons for Coolant Replacement
Air conditioners operate on a sealed, closed-loop system, so it’s not normal for refrigerant levels to drop. If your central air conditioner is low on coolant, there’s likely a leak in the system that requires repair. Once an HVAC technician fixes the leak, restoring coolant levels is key to helping your AC run efficiently again.
Evaporation and leaks
Wear and tear, corrosion, and damage can cause leaks within your AC, allowing coolant to escape from the system. The evaporator coils, refrigerant lines, and condenser coils are the most common places to discover a leak. Depending on the location and pressure, coolant evaporates into a gas or escapes as a liquid. Refrigerant exposure can cause serious health and environmental risks, so it’s important to address leaks immediately.
Contamination or degradation
Cracks or leaks in your AC can allow moisture, air, oil, and debris to contaminate the refrigerant system. If these contaminants come in contact with the coolant in your air conditioner, they affect its ability to absorb and release heat, reducing efficiency and potentially damaging components. Other malfunctions, like an overheating compressor or electrical issue, can also expose coolant to high temperatures and cause it to degrade over time.
Preventing damage to the AC system
Your air conditioner relies on coolant for proper function and efficient cooling. When levels get too low, the unit has to go into overdrive to cool your home, leading to increased wear and tear, overheating, and even complete system failure. Uncovering and repairing the cause of low refrigerant levels will help protect your AC from further damage and avoid costly repairs.
When To Schedule Coolant Replacement
Regular maintenance schedule
Routine maintenance helps catch low coolant levels before they damage your system. Book a professional tune-up with a trusted HVAC company near you every year before the cooling season begins. They’ll perform a comprehensive maintenance checklist to test your system for proper function and check for potential issues like refrigerant leaks.
Professional inspection
Coolant doesn’t evaporate on its own, so if your air conditioner shows signs of low refrigerant, it’s important to contact an HVAC technician for a professional inspection as soon as possible. They have the tools and expertise to test your system for leaks, pressure imbalances, and efficiency and pinpoint the root cause. If they discover low coolant levels, they’ll outline the best solution to repair the leak, recharge the system, and restore cool comfort to your home.
Contact the Team at 1st Choice Mechanical to Learn More About Replacing Your Home’s Coolant!
Whether your AC is showing signs of low coolant or you’re looking to learn more about recharging, the team at 1st Choice Mechanical is here to help. Our experts offer comprehensive AC repairs, maintenance, and replacements to keep your home cool when you need it most. We’ll assess your system, check for leaks, and recommend the best solution to restore comfort to your Arizona home.
Call us or book online to schedule air conditioning service in Phoenix or surrounding areas today!