The U.S. Department of Energy cites low refrigerant levels as one of the most common issues that may require professional air conditioning repair. Low levels of refrigerant can affect the ability of your cooling system to produce comfortable temperatures for you and your family. Spotting the warning signs of low refrigerant can help you avoid HVAC breakdowns that can cause unpleasantly high temperatures inside your home or office. Here are three ways to tell if your refrigerant levels are low in Buford or any of the surrounding communities in Georgia.
You See Ice on Coils or Refrigerant Lines
Although it may seem counterintuitive, HVAC trade publication Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News notes that ice on the lines or coils of your cooling system is often the result of low refrigerant levels. This occurs because of lowered pressure in the evaporator coil that allows it to become too cold, allowing moisture in the air to freeze inside the evaporator. Frozen coils can add up to real problems for your AC unit that can cause reduced performance and, in some cases, a complete and permanent failure of your cooling system.
Even a small amount of ice on your coils or lines will require a visit from your local air conditioning repair company to resolve the issue. While it may be tempting to thaw out the system yourself and then attempt to run it again, this can damage your HVAC system. Replacing refrigerant in your system is relatively inexpensive when compared with the cost of replacing your home air conditioning system.
Your Home Never Gets Cool Enough
Another telltale sign that your refrigerant levels could be low is a lack of cooling throughout your home or indoor spaces. Warm air coming from your vents is nearly always a sign that your AC system requires professional repair. If your air conditioning system runs nearly all the time and never seems to cool down temperatures inside, you may need to schedule a visit from your local HVAC company to determine the cause for this issue.
Lack of maintenance and blocked airflow could also be to blame for this issue. Working with a company that offers prompt and courteous AC repair services is the best way to determine the underlying cause for your lack of cool air and can help you stay more comfortable throughout the summer months. Your HVAC technician can run diagnostic tests to determine the exact reason for your cooling system issues. This can save you money while allowing you and your family to keep your cool more effectively this year.
You Receive Extremely High Utility Bills
If your HVAC refrigerant levels are too low, you can expect to see a fairly steep increase in the cost of cooling your home. Low refrigerant levels require your system to work harder to produce the same amount or less cooling for your interior spaces. This can add up to much higher electrical costs during the hottest part of the summer months. Regular HVAC maintenance visits can reduce the risk of these issues and identify low refrigerant levels before adding up to big expenses for you and your family.
Your local heating and cooling specialists can pinpoint the issues causing your high utility bills and resolve them quickly and effectively. If you do need a new system, these professionals can assist you with a correctly sized and installed air conditioning unit that will keep you cooler for many years to come.
Pruitt Heating & Air, Inc. has been serving Buford and the surrounding communities in Georgia since 1978. Our team of NATE-certified technicians is available seven days a week and 24 hours a day to provide emergency air conditioning repair services when you need them most. We also deliver honest and reliable air conditioning installation and commercial HVAC services for our clients. If you need AC repair services you can rely on, give us a call today. We look forward to the chance to serve you.
