4 Signs Your Air Conditioner Is Running Low on Refrigerant

You need your AC to be working at its best during these last days of summer in Wilmington, North Carolina. But because you ran it so hard for the season, you might be feeling like it’s not cooling your home as well as it should. It could be a broken part, or you may just need more refrigerant. Here are four signs your air conditioner is running low on refrigerant.

Blowing Hot Air

Your AC’s refrigerant is essential in cooling down your home. Refrigerant is what absorbs the heat from your home’s air and transfers it outdoors. If your refrigerant is low, the AC will just act like a fan, pushing warm air around without cooling it. This can also be caused by a dirty filter or issues with your compressor, so you should have a professional diagnose the problem with your unit.

Increased Bills

If you have low refrigerant levels, your AC will run longer and work harder to try to reach the set temperature. The longer your system runs, the more energy it uses. Compare your current electric bill to last year’s bill to see if it has increased significantly.

Ice Buildup

If your refrigerant is low, the evaporator line may be frozen, causing the remaining refrigerant to flow back through the line. Any ambient moisture near the refrigerant line will freeze and accumulate on the outside of the AC. However, ice buildup can have a few different causes, which is why it’s important to have a professional look at your unit.

Hissing or Bubbling Sounds

This is the tell-tale sign that your refrigerant is low. Refrigerant doesn’t typically run out or get used up like soap in a dispenser. The only way it could be low is if you have a leak. If you have a leak, you may hear a hiss or bubbly noise as the refrigerant escapes its line.

If you think your AC’s refrigerant is low, give Airmax Heating & Cooling a call at 910-795-4359. Our experienced technicians can assess the issue and see if you have a refrigerant leak or need a new AC unit.

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