Do I Need More Refrigerant in My Air Conditioner?

This is a question we often get from homeowners who are scheduling maintenance for their air conditioners. Refrigerant is the core of the air conditioning system, and the unit will not work without it. In order to understand the answer to this question, though, you must first understand how your air conditioner uses refrigerant. Let’s take a look at the role refrigerant plays in your air conditioning system, and when you need to refill it.

Refrigerant

Refrigerant is a catchall term to describe a number of different fluids in the air conditioner that all do roughly the same thing. During operation, your air conditioner evaporates refrigerant in the inside unit to absorb thermal energy from the ducts. The refrigerant gas is then pumped down the refrigerant line to the condenser coil outside, where it is condensed back into liquid. This releases the collected heat outside. The refrigerant is recycled back and forth the entire time the air conditioner is operating, moving heat out of the house and into the outdoors.

Refrigerant Leaks

The amount of refrigerant that the air conditioner receives when it is first installed should be enough to last for its entire life. The only time that this is not true is when a leak develops in the refrigerant line. A refrigerant leak will slowly drain the air conditioner of refrigerant, causing all sorts of problems. The output from the system will steadily drop. Parts will start to malfunction and fail. Eventually, the entire air conditioner will break down. So, if you see fluid of any kind dripping from your air conditioner, it’s a good idea to call for repairs as soon as possible.

Saddleback Plumbing offers a full range of air conditioner repair services throughout Laguna Hills, CA. Call today for an appointment with one of our experts.