AC coolant, also known as Freon, refrigerant, or AC cooling liquid, is the lifeline of your air conditioning system. This remarkable substance absorbs heat from the indoor air, allowing your AC to transfer it to the outside and cool your home. An AC’s coolant operates within a closed system, meaning it doesn’t get used up — the same coolant is used repeatedly for the life of the AC system. This means that coolant levels should remain constant unless there’s a leak.
If there’s a leak, low coolant can cause your AC to struggle and fail. Recognizing that you have a coolant leak can save you from discomfort, help you avoid costly repairs, and prevent AC breakdowns. Today, the Air Hawk Heating And Cooling team will review the signs of low coolant.
Warm Air Blowing From Vents
One of the first signs of a coolant issue is a change in the air temperature. Check your coolant levels to see if your AC starts blowing air that feels warmer than usual or merely room temperature. This is a telltale sign that the cooling process is compromised, often due to insufficient coolant.
Long Cooling Times
Does it take longer than usual for your home to cool down? When coolant levels are low, your AC has to work overtime to reach the set temperature, resulting in prolonged cooling times. This affects your comfort, can strain your system, and can increase your energy bills.
Ice Buildup on the Unit
Low coolant levels can lead to the evaporator coils and refrigerant lines freezing. Under normal circumstances, the coolant absorbs heat as it flows through these coils, keeping them cold enough to cool the air but not so cold that they freeze the moisture in the air.
If the coolant is low, it fails to absorb heat, and the coils become too cold. This causes the moisture in the air to freeze upon contact instead of condensing and draining away. Ice impacts the AC’s ability to cool your home and can lead to further damage if it continues to build up. If you notice ice on any part of your AC unit, turn it off and consult an HVAC professional to address the issue before it worsens.
Hissing or Bubbling Noises
Unusual noises such as hissing or bubbling are red flags for coolant leaks. These sounds can indicate that the coolant is escaping from its closed system, leading to decreased efficiency and potential damage to your AC unit.
Strange Odors
If you detect a sharp chemical smell from your air conditioning unit, it could be a sign of leaking coolant. These odors are unpleasant and indicate that your air quality may be compromised. Contact an AC technician if you notice strange odors coming from your unit.
High Energy Bills
An unexpected rise in energy bills can often be traced back to an inefficiently functioning AC unit. Low coolant levels make your AC work harder, which consumes more energy and increases your bills.
Contact Air Hawk Heating And Cooling
If you notice any of these symptoms, it might be time for a coolant check. An AC coolant refill is not a DIY activity. HVAC coolant is highly toxic, and due to government regulations, it can only be purchased by licensed technicians.
If you suspect your AC has a coolant leak, contact Air Hawk Heating And Cooling, your local AC repair expert in Odessa and the surrounding areas. With 24/7 phone support, licensed and insured technicians, and no overtime charges, we handle your AC issues promptly and professionally.
Contact Air Hawk Heating And Cooling today to request an AC coolant check in Odessa or the surrounding area.
