How to Determine If the AC Is Low on Coolant
Freon is the term many use to refer to the refrigerant, or coolant, used in many things, from home and vehicle air conditioners to some refrigerators.
Across the US, summertime brings increased temperatures, and people retreat into air-conditioned spaces. For those with a central cooling system, the home provides a welcome retreat on a warm and muggy day.
A homeowner with an air conditioner that isn’t cooling the home can determine the culprit if they know some common troubles. Very often, it lacks coolant, which some know as freon.
What is Freon?
Freon is the term many use to refer to the refrigerant, or coolant, used in many things, from home and vehicle air conditioners to some refrigerators. It’s actually the chemical refrigerant R-22, and, in terms of a home’s central cooling system, it acts as a fluid that absorbs and transfers the heat from the inside of the home to the compressor unit outside, where it is cooled and recirculated, making the home that cool and comfortable respite from the heat and humidity.
Coolant is required for an AC to cool a space; without it, the system can’t do its job. For homeowners wondering if their AC is low on Freon, here is a checklist to determine if it needs refrigerant:
Ice on the lines: If there is ice on the lines that go from the outside unit into the house, it is a signal that the system is leaking coolant. There may also be pools of water next to the exterior unit from ice that has melted.
System blowing warm air: If the registers and ducts are blowing warm or hot air, and no cool air is felt, the system is likely low on coolant. Any lack of coolant will cause the recirculated air to remain hot, and the AC system takes longer to cool if it cools at all.
Increased electricity usage: A sudden spike in the electric bill is always cause for concern, especially if the AC is in use. This increase may be an early sign that the compressor is working extra hard due to a lower supply of Freon.
Causes of low coolant
In most cases, the lack of coolant is due to a small but reparable leak in a worn line, which is a relatively simple fix. However easy it may be, it is not a DIY project. Finding the leak can be difficult, and without the expertise of an HVAC technician, the homeowner may be spending an unnecessary amount of money on parts and tools. Additionally, coolant can only be purchased by licensed HVAC technicians because of its potential harm to the environment.
Homeowners struggling to keep cool in the heat of summer should contact a licensed HVAC technician to inspect their air conditioning system.
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