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Do you know when to replace the freon in your home’s AC units? For many homeowners, refrigerant levels are not something they think about often. Still, these factors significantly impact the effectiveness of your HVAC system and air quality.
AC repair experts in Ocala from Fast Air Repair identify the signs that your unit is low on refrigerant. By keeping up with this maintenance, you can avoid future HVAC mishaps.
What Is Freon?
Freon is a non-combustible noble gas that changes states inside an air conditioning system. This element helps to regulate the home’s temperature from an outdoor unit, making this type of refrigerant essential for HVAC systems.
However, freon does not drain like fuel in a vehicle. It simply changes between a liquid and a gas state. That is why low refrigerant levels indicate more significant problems with the unit.
Many things impact the level of freon in the air conditioning. Let’s examine some common problems homeowners may experience.
Leaks
Refrigerant leaks are one of the most common problems air conditioners experience. A network of evaporators and condensers can succumb to damage, which causes freon to drain. This leaking creates further problems like freezing and mold growth.
Unfortunately, these issues will worsen if a homeowner continues to ignore repairs.
Wear
Wear can cause freon to escape the unit. Your air conditioner may experience rust in the couplers or coil degradation that impacts refrigerant levels. By maintaining regular upkeep on the HVAC system, you can avoid costly replacements.
Formic Acid
Formic acid is a naturally occurring corrosive substance that will degrade your refrigerant lines over time. Insects are a significant culprit in the buildup of this element. Without proper preventative care, formic acid will slowly destroy copper tubing.
How to Know Your Freon Is Leaking
How do you know when freon is leaking? Luckily, homeowners can identify several signs quickly. Look for some of these visual and audible cues to determine if your air conditioning struggles to retain refrigerant.
1. Your Home Is Not Cooling Down
This problem might be the first thing you notice with a poorly functioning air conditioner. Even if the unit is running, you may observe that the cold air is not coming out as it should. While this could indicate several other problems, refrigerant loss is likely the cause.
Freon ensures that the air comes out cold enough to regulate room temperature. If your air conditioner has any leaks, it will simply blow the same air temperature it collects from outside.
If you notice this problem, don’t run the air conditioning system all day. Doing so will cost you more money in energy bills at the end of the month.
2. Ice Buildup
Freezing components are an obvious sign of refrigerant leaks. Freon for AC units should not create significant ice buildup. This problem can obstruct airflow into the home and damage other parts of the unit.
You may experience freezing around your refrigerant lines or other components. In this case, shut off the system and clear it of moisture.
Freezing elements inside your air conditioning unit will lower its service life expectancy. Avoid total system replacements by monitoring moisture buildup and internal temperatures.
3. Unusual Sounds
If your air conditioner makes unusual hissing or bubbling sounds, it may indicate a refrigerant problem. Pinholes and other damage may cause freon to bubble out of refrigerant lines. Never ignore this issue.
You should turn off the system immediately if you hear rattling or popping. This sound could indicate issues with other components or refrigerant leaks impacting performance.
Try not to fix these problems alone. Doing so could compromise the integrity of the system as a whole. Instead, contact a professional HVAC technician for the best course of action.
4. Inconsistent Bills
Higher electricity bills at the end of the month will show you something is wrong with the air conditioning. Even if your home is cool, the air conditioner may work harder than it should to regulate temperature. If this is the case, the unit may still have a leak.
Monitor what you regularly pay to determine if your air conditioner is overworking. Leaks are not the only problem that creates overspending. Check air filters every three to six months and clear vents of debris.
If you cannot identify the source of the problem, an HVAC professional can. They will determine whether the issue is a lack of refrigerant or damage elsewhere. Relying on experts can save you time and money when finding issues with freon for AC units.
Protecting Your Refrigerant Lines
Keep up with regular inspection and maintenance of your HVAC units. You can reduce the risk of leaks by operating the air conditioning at a reasonable temperature and turning it off when you leave home. Check for moisture and leaks every few weeks to ensure everything works correctly.
Don’t block an air conditioning unit or the vents so that it can regulate temperature without stress. In addition, change air filters every few months and watch for discoloration in and around the system.
Consult the Experts
Finding leaks in your air conditioning system may not be as simple as it sounds. If you have trouble identifying the problem, reach out to the experts. Fast Air Repair utilizes a team of experienced technicians to resolve their clients’ HVAC concerns.
We offer fast and reliable emergency repair so you won’t be stuck in the heat. If you need replacement parts, we use superior materials to get your system back up and running.
Our team can share the best preventative methods to keep your HVAC system functioning for years. Speak to our crew to learn the importance of keeping AC coils clean.
Let us help with your concerns about freon for AC units. Call Fast Air Repair in Ocala, FL, at 352-290-7968.