Being unable to get relief from the sweltering temperatures of summer can be hazardous to your health. One of the best ways to give your body a break from hot weather is by spending time in your air-conditioned home. Many people take a reliable HVAC unit for granted until it breaks down.
If your unit suddenly stops producing cool air, then reaching out to a reputable Tacoma WA central AC service is a wise move. One of the first things an HVAC technician will check when a unit is unable to produce cool air is refrigerant levels. Here is some more information about AC refrigerant and why having a refrigerant leak is hazardous to your unit.
What Does AC Refrigerant Do?
Most people are familiar with the term AC refrigerant. However, the average person knows very little about what this essential substance does inside of their HVAC unit. Basically, refrigerant is the fuel that helps your HVAC unit produce cool air.
A residential HVAC unit has both outdoor and indoor components. The outdoor portion of your HVAC unit pulls in warm air from outdoors.
Once this air has been pulled in, it is the job of the refrigerant to cool it down. The refrigerant in your unit is kept inside copper coils. This gas is designed to absorb the heat from the air. During this cooling process, the refrigerant will transition from a low-pressure gas into a high-pressure liquid.
Various components of your HVAC unit send refrigerant outdoors where a fan will blow hot air over it. The job of the refrigerant is to cool this air down before it is sent back indoors. A fan located on the inside of the home will blow the cool air through the vents, which brings the inside of the residence to a comfortable temperature.
Low Refrigerant Levels Can Negatively Affect Your HVAC Unit
An HVAC unit needs a few basic elements to stay running efficiently. The right refrigerant level is definitely one of these essential elements. If your unit doesn’t have the right level of refrigerant, damage will occur.
Not only does refrigerant cool down warm air, but when refrigerant levels are depleted, your compressor can overheat. One of the main things you will experience when your compressor gets overworked and overheated is tripping circuit breakers.
Low refrigerant levels can also lead to a drastic increase in your monthly electric bill. This is why you need to take action as soon as you see warning signs indicating that AC refrigerant levels are low.
How Do You Know When Refrigerant Levels Are Low?
If AC refrigerant levels are low, you will notice a number of warning signs. These signs typically include things like:
- Cooling your home takes far longer
- High indoor humidity
- Icy refrigerant lines
- Water leaks around your heater
- Bubbling or hissing noises
Contact Sound Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. today! We take your comfort as seriously as you do.