What Is Refrigerant?
To keep an air conditioner running properly, it needs sufficient refrigerant and coolant. This substance is essential to correctly cool a home.
Refrigerant, located in the coils of an AC unit, absorbs heat and provides cooler air. Without refrigerant, AC units could not produce enough cold air to cool homes.
HVAC technicians answer key questions about refrigerants, including how homeowners can determine which type of refrigerant they need, what causes refrigerant leaks, and signs that indicate professional repairs are needed.
How to Tell Which Refrigerant an AC Uses
Many homeowners are surprised to learn there are numerous types of refrigerants. Households need to identify which type of refrigerant their AC unit needs. These substances are not interchangeable, and adding the wrong one can harm the air conditioner.
To determine what type of refrigerant an AC system needs, property owners can:
- Check the manufacturer’s manual or documentation that came with the air conditioner. These should provide information about the type of refrigerant needed.
- Look for a label on the air conditioner that lists the refrigerant type.
If property owners are unsure what type of refrigerant is needed, they should consult an HVAC technician.
Homeowners should also be aware of how old their AC unit is. If built before 2010, it may use R-22 or freon. R22 refrigerant was banned for use in new systems because it can cause damage to the ozone layer. Property owners may need to replace the unit or consider retrofitting it.
What Causes Refrigerant Leaks?
If an air conditioner has a refrigerant leak, it cannot properly cool a home. Numerous issues can cause leaks. Some common causes can be aging or wear and tear as units age.
Corrosion can also lead to leaks, as exposure to chemicals and moisture can cause rust. This can lead to small, pinhole-sized holes forming in the tubes.
Other common causes can include poor installations, damage to the unit, malfunctioning components, and a lack of maintenance on the system.
When is it Time to Call a Professional?
Homes can get hot quickly without the right amount of refrigerant in an AC system. Fortunately, homeowners can quickly get their air conditioners up and running by scheduling repairs with an HVAC technician.
Property owners should call for services when they notice their air conditioner is not cooling their home to the temperature setting on the thermostat. When this happens, it can indicate a refrigerant leak, which needs to be fixed to get the AC unit working properly. Technicians can use refrigerant leak detectors to find the problem.
Homeowners should also schedule services if their air conditioner is not turning off and keeps running continuously, and if they hear hissing or gurgling sounds from the unit. These sounds can be caused by refrigerant escaping through small holes or cracks in the lines.
Another sign property owners should watch for is ice formation or frozen AC coils. Refrigerant leaks can cause ice to form on refrigerant lines, coils, or other components of the AC system. These frozen coils need to be inspected and repaired by professionals.
About The Darville Company
For more than 70 years, homeowners have trusted The Darville Company to restore comfort to their homes. They provide 24/7 emergency services, offer same-day services, and guarantee 100% satisfaction with every job. Call them today for HVAC services in Odessa, TX.
