Have you ever noticed your air conditioner suddenly isn’t as powerful or efficient as it used to be? Chances are, you may have a refrigerant leak in your system. An air conditioning system that does not have the correct refrigeration charge will neither heat nor cool satisfactorily. The leak needs to be located and repaired (if possible) prior to topping up the refrigerant charge.
What Is a Refrigerant and What Is It Used For?
- A refrigerant is a chemical compound that helps cool and moves the heat in your air cond system.
- It works by absorbing and releasing heat during the various phases it is in as it moves between the indoor and outdoor units of an air conditioner.
- The refrigerant also acts as a transfer medium for cooling, allowing heat to be removed from one area and then dispersed in another.
- Refrigerants come in various types, each with a different chemical makeup, which can affect their cooling efficiency.
To operate efficiently, air conditioners must have the right amount of refrigerant.
- The system won’t work properly if there is too much or too little refrigerant in the system. It could end up costing you more money in energy bills.
- Keeping refrigerant levels at optimal levels is important to ensure your AC unit runs as efficiently as possible. This will help reduce your energy costs and improve the longevity of your air conditioning system.
Why Do You Need to Add Refrigerant to an Air Conditioner?
- When it comes to air conditioning units, refrigerant plays a key role.
- Refrigerant is the fluid that helps to cool the warm air and circulate it through your home or office.
- Without the correct charge of refrigerant in your system, you won’t get any cooling from your AC unit. But why do you need to add more refrigerant?
- When any air conditioner unit is installed, it’s filled with the right amount of refrigerant to ensure optimal performance.
- At times, your system may develop a refrigerant leak. There are various issues that may cause the leak. But over time, a small refrigerant leak can cause a slow but steady drop in your system’s refrigerant level. This means your AC won’t be able to cool your home effectively. Any leaks need to be detected and repaired prior to topping up the refrigerant charge.
Determining if the System is Low on Refrigerant
The attending technician will determine if the system is low on refrigerant. This will include measurements of pressures and temperatures in various parts of the system. If the technician has determined that the system is low on refrigerant, then the leak needs to be located and repaired.
How is Refrigerant Added to an Air Conditioner
- There may come a time when your air conditioner is not running as efficiently as it should and might need to be checked if the refrigerant charge is satisfactory.
- A qualified technician is required to carry out this work.
- A Refrigerant Handling License is required to introduce additional refrigerant into an air conditioning system.
- The technician will use refrigerant gauges and scales to weigh in the refrigerant to give the optimum charge.
Adding Refrigerant Until the Desired Pressures and Temperatures are Achieved
- Adding the refrigerant is important for the correct running of your air conditioning system. Too low a charge can lead to icing of the evaporator coil and the system cutting out on low pressure safety. Conversely, overcharging the system can make the ac unit cut out on high pressure safety. Therefore, it is of great importance to ensure the correct refrigerant charge is put into the system.
Test That Everything Is Working Properly
- Once the technician has recharged the system with the correct amount of refrigerant, various tests will be conducted to ensure the correct operation of the system.
- The technician can monitor the operating pressure by means of a refrigerant gauge. The accurate reading can also be converted to the temperature of the refrigerant in the ac unit.
- Temperatures recorded in the system indicate correct operation.
Tips to Make Sure the Refrigerant Lasts
- Replacing the refrigerant in an air conditioner can keep it running effectively and efficiently. However, once you’ve added the new refrigerant, there are still some things to keep in mind so that it lasts as long as possible. Here are a few tips to help you out:
Ensure Proper Refrigerant Levels
- Ensure regular maintenance checks are carried out to ensure there are no further leaks
Keep the System Clean and Free of Debris
- It’s important to keep the external unit of your air conditioner free from dirt, dust, and other debris. This helps prevent clogs that could affect the performance and efficiency of the system. In addition, regular maintenance and cleaning will help ensure proper operation.
Use the Right Refrigerant Type for Your AC Unit
- Different types of air conditioners require different types of refrigerants. Be sure the correct refrigerant is installed in the system.
Have an Experienced Technician Perform Maintenance Regularly
- Having a professional technician perform regular maintenance on your air conditioner is essential. They can check for issues or problems causing the system to run inefficiently.
