Hopefully not. There are a lot of different problems that can develop with any air conditioning system, but the refrigerant leak is one that tends to be quite serious. There are a few reasons for this. First of all, the effects of running an air conditioner that is low on refrigerant can be devastating to the system. Additionally, there is the fact that many homeowners don’t realize that there is a problem until it has been present for some time.
When that happens, the issue is given the opportunity necessary to really leave its mark. That is why it is so important that you understand some of the warning signs that you have a refrigerant leak on your hands. Acting fast can prove incredibly beneficial for your air conditioning system in Bolingbrook, IL. Read on, and be sure to let us know if you suspect that there is a problem of any kind with your home cooling system, refrigerant leak or otherwise.
Signs of a Refrigerant Leak
Refrigerant plays an absolutely critical role in the cooling process. It is the evaporation of refrigerant in the evaporator coil, after all, that allows for the system to draw heat out of the air in the house to begin with. While refrigerant leaks can be bad news, this role that refrigerant plays does at least ensure that there will be warning signs of a leak. You just need to know what it is to look out for.
Ice on the System
Have you spotted ice on your air conditioning system? If the evaporator coil is icing up, it does not mean that the system is simply working a little better than intended. It means that the coil is getting colder than it should be, and that could be due to low refrigerant levels. If there is not enough refrigerant in the system to draw a sufficient amount of heat out of the air, then condensation on the coil can freeze up. If you also see frost or ice on the refrigerant lines themselves, then this is very likely the case.
Increased Cooling Costs
Does it seem as though you are paying too much in order to cool your home? If so, low refrigerant levels could be to blame. When there is not enough refrigerant in the system, it is going to have to work harder and harder in order to draw a sufficient amount of heat out of the air. That will be reflected in the amount that it costs you to cool your home effectively.
Short Cycling
Short cycling is a phenomenon in which the air conditioning system starts up, runs only briefly, and then shuts back down. Low refrigerant levels can cause short cycling as the added strain on the system can cause the compressor to be seriously strained. If the compressor overheats, the system is going to shut down to protect it. This can all take a serious toll on your air conditioning system.
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