Refrigerant is an important component of an air conditioner, if it is not working properly, it will directly affect the cooling of your AC.
If the refrigerant levels fluctuate, it can affect the efficiency of your air conditioner. For instance, too much refrigerant is harmful to the air conditioner’s heat pumps.
So if your air conditioner is not working properly, you should get its refrigerant levels checked by a certified HVAC contractor.
Also Read: Tips To Use Your AC Efficiently In The Summer
Also, it is true that if your air conditioner is not cooling properly, there might be a problem with its refrigerant levels, but this does not mean that every time your AC is not working properly, there is an issue with its refrigerant levels.
A common mistake that most people make is that they add too much refrigerant to their air conditioners, but what they don’t realize is adding too much refrigerant does more harm than good to their AC.
Therefore you should never make this mistake and should call a certified HVAC contractor who knows how to handle refrigerant levels properly, as only a professional can help you fix such issues.
A common reason why most people make this mistake is that they are unaware of refrigerant and its importance, so if you are also one of those, then don’t worry. Keep on reading this blog post, and you will learn why excessive refrigerant is harmful to your air conditioner.
Is Refrigerant A Liquid Or Gas?
The answer to this question is both, as refrigerant is a type of material that cycles between the liquid and gas phases depending upon where it is located.
Compared to water, refrigerant has a very low boiling point. It has a low boiling point so that it can absorb the (indoor heat) thermal energy and efficiently transfer it.
Also, when the refrigerant is collecting heat, it gets cold, which is an endothermic reaction. Endo means inside, so in an endothermic reaction, the heat travels into the refrigerant. Whereas when the refrigerant is shedding heat, it is called an exothermic reaction. Exo means outside, so when the heat is moving outside the refrigerant, it is called an exothermic reaction.
Signs Your Air Conditioner Has Too Much Refrigerant
A common problem that most people face is that they don’t know how to detect if their air conditioner has too much refrigerant. Here are some top signs that your AC has too much refrigerant.
Blows Extremely Hot Air
If your air conditioner blows extremely hot air instead of cool air, it is a sign that the level of refrigerant is too high. When your AC blows hot air from the condensing unit, then it means that your air conditioning system is finding it difficult to transfer enough heat outdoors. This happens when your refrigerant levels are too high, so in order to fix this problem, you will have to call a certified HVAC contractor.
Inefficient Operation
When refrigerant levels are high, it affects the compressor of your AC, and when the compressor does not work efficiently, it consumes a lot of energy.
Similarly, when the refrigerant levels of your AC are too high, it affects the other parts of your air conditioner and ultimately destroys the compressor of your air conditioner.
So if you are noticing a rapid increase in your energy bills, there is a high chance that the refrigerant levels have destroyed your air conditioner’s compressor. To fix this issue, you will need to get professional air conditioner repair services from a certified HVAC contractor.
AC Keeps On Shutting Off
If your air conditioner abruptly turns off during the day, then it is an indication that the refrigerant levels are too high. When the refrigerant levels are high, it puts pressure on the system, and the air conditioner turns off abruptly. So, if your air conditioning system keeps on shutting down, call a certified HVAC contractor and get its refrigerant levels fixed.
About Pro West Heating & Air Conditioning
Pro West Heating & Air Conditionings experts mean ensuring a quality job and customer satisfaction, which are just two of our fundamental priorities.
Our highly qualified technicians tackle everything — from repairing minor cooling problems in your HVAC system to cleaning huge mounds of dirt in your air ducts to anything in between. Moreover, our experienced technicians and sales staff ensure you have the right system for your needs.
If you need any type of HVAC services in Vancouver and the lower mainland, contact us today for personalized services.