If you are looking for efficient and reliable air conditioning services, look no further than Jones Heating & Air Conditioning. Our team of experts has years of experience in providing top-notch services like AC maintenance in Salt Lake City, UT, and surrounding areas.
One of the most common air conditioner issues we encounter during our services is low refrigerant levels in air conditioners. In this blog, we will explain why your air conditioner needs refrigerant and how we can help you with any refrigerant-related issues.
Refrigerants In Your Air Conditioner
The refrigerant in your air conditioning system is a fluid that absorbs heat from your indoor air and releases it outside, cooling your home in the process. The refrigerant runs through a closed-loop system that includes the compressor, condenser, and evaporator. As it cycles through this system, it undergoes phase changes from liquid to gas and back again, absorbing and releasing heat along the way.
Refrigerants do not get used up or consumed like fuel. Your air conditioner should have enough refrigerant to last its entire lifespan. However, refrigerant leaks can occur, which can cause your system to lose refrigerant and operate inefficiently.
Why Would An AC System Be Low On Refrigerant?
There are several reasons why an AC system may be low on refrigerant. Let’s explore some of the common causes:
Refrigerant Leak
The most common cause of low refrigerant levels is a refrigerant leak. Over time, the refrigerant lines, coils, or connections in an air conditioning system can develop small cracks or holes, resulting in leaks. These leaks can be caused by factors such as poor installation, corrosion, physical damage, or normal wear and tear. When refrigerant leaks occur, the system gradually loses its refrigerant charge, leading to low levels.
Improper Initial Charge
During the installation of an AC system, the refrigerant is charged into the system according to manufacturer specifications. If the initial charge is not done correctly, either too little refrigerant is added or too much. In the case of insufficient refrigerant, the system will have low levels from the beginning. It is crucial to have a professional HVAC technician like Jones Heating & Air Conditioning handle the AC installation in Salt Lake City, UT, and charging process to ensure proper refrigerant levels.
Evaporator Coil Issues
The responsibility of an evaporator coil is to absorb heat from the air inside your home. If the evaporator coil becomes dirty or develops a coating of dirt, dust, or debris over time, it can impair the heat transfer process. This can cause the coil to become too cold, leading to ice formation. When ice forms on the coil, it can restrict the flow of refrigerant and result in low refrigerant levels.
System Age and Wear
As an AC system ages, its components may deteriorate, including the refrigerant lines, coils, and connections. Over time, these components can develop small leaks due to normal wear and tear. Older systems are more susceptible to refrigerant leaks, resulting in low refrigerant levels. Jones Heating & Air Conditioning provides top-notch AC maintenance in Salt Lake City and can help identify and address these issues before they lead to significant problems.
Manufacturing Defects
In rare cases, an AC system may have manufacturing defects that can cause refrigerant leaks or issues with proper refrigerant levels. These defects can include faulty seals, valves, or joints within the system. While such cases are uncommon, they can occur. If a manufacturing defect is suspected, it is essential to contact the manufacturer or a professional HVAC technician for diagnosis and provide resolution.
It is crucial to address low refrigerant levels promptly as they can negatively impact the performance and efficiency of the AC system. Low refrigerant levels can cause the system to work harder to cool your home, resulting in increased energy consumption and higher utility bills. Additionally, low refrigerant levels can lead to inadequate cooling and discomfort indoors.
How Jones Heating & Air Conditioning Can Help
If you suspect that your air conditioner is low on refrigerant, don’t hesitate to contact Jones Heating & Air Conditioning. Our team of experts can inspect your system, locate any leaks, and recharge your refrigerant to ensure that your air conditioner is operating at peak efficiency. We also offer 24/7 emergency air conditioner repair in Salt Lake City, UT, and routine maintenance services that can help prevent refrigerant leaks and other issues from occurring.
