Refrigerant Basics You Need to Know

Answering Frequently Asked Questions About Refrigerant

During an air conditioner tune-up, homeowners might hear HVAC technicians mention refrigerant levels and wonder what this substance has to do with the functionality of their AC unit. In short, a lot. Refrigerant is necessary to cool a house effectively. It lives in the coils of an AC system and absorbs the heat to cool the air. Without the appropriate levels of refrigerant or coolant, homes cannot cool to the desired temperature. 

To ensure their AC unit works properly, property owners need to understand what type of refrigerant their unit needs, what causes refrigerant leaks, and when to schedule an appointment with an HVAC technician. This post will answer some of the most commonly asked questions about AC refrigerants. 

How Can You Tell Which Refrigerant an AC Uses?

It’s important for homeowners to know which type of refrigerant their air conditioner uses. Refrigerant is not interchangeable, so using the wrong type could actually damage a system. It’s essential to check the system and locate the type of refrigerant the unit needs to prevent this.

It is usually found on a label on the outside of the outdoor unit. It can also be found in a user’s manual. If a homeowner cannot locate the refrigerant type, they can ask an HVAC technician during an annual inspection. If a homeowner’s air conditioner was built before 2010, it likely uses R-22 or freon. However, the R-22 refrigerant has been banned due to its negative environmental impacts and cannot be used in new models. 

What Causes Refrigerant Leaks?

Refrigerant leaks can occur in air conditioner systems for several reasons. Some of the most common causes can include:

• Aging and corrosion of the air conditioner and the coil: Chemicals, acids, and wear and tear can create small holes that cause refrigerant leaks. 
• Damage to components: Over time or during installation, damage to the AC unit can cause refrigerant leaks. 
• Lack of maintenance: If technicians are not hired to inspect units proactively, experts cannot identify more minor issues before they become larger. These problems can result in refrigerant leaks.

When Is It Time to Call a Professional for a Refrigerant Leak?

It’s essential for homeowners to call a professional for refrigerant leak repairs at the first signs of an issue. There are numerous symptoms they can watch for, but the most obvious one can be if the air conditioner is not properly cooling their house. This can be due to a lack of refrigerant in the system – which can indicate a leak.

Other signs to watch for are if the air conditioner is continuously running, hissing or gurgling sounds are coming from the unit, ice forming on the refrigerant lines, and frozen AC coils. Technicians will inspect the AC coils and use refrigerant leak detectors to determine if there is a refrigerant leak that needs to be repaired. 

About MYK Air

MYK Air is a team of heating and cooling experts serving Rock Hill and the surrounding areas. They provide straightforward pricing, the latest technology, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for AC refrigerant leak repair in Rock Hill, SC.