Four Signs That You Need More Freon for AC Unit

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Do you know when to replace freon for AC units in the home? 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. This type of refrigerant is 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 take a look at 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. You can avoid costly replacements by maintaining regular upkeep on the HVAC system.

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. Formic acid will slowly destroy copper tubing without proper preventative care.

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 within 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 mean other components are suffering issues. It may also indicate 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.

Keep an eye on 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 aren't stuck in the heat. We use superior materials to get your system back up and running if you need replacement parts.

Our team can share the best preventative methods to keep your HVAC system functioning for years. Learn the importance of keeping AC coils clean by speaking to our crew. 

Let us help with your concerns about freon for AC units. Call Fast Air Repair in Ocala, FL, at 352-290-7968.