What Happens When The AC Unit Is Low On Freon?

What Happens When The AC Unit Is Low On Freon?

It is summertime in Houston, Texas area and having an air conditioning unit that keeps you and your family nice and cool is a big necessity.  So when you notice that your AC system is either acting strange or not functioning to its full potential, then one possible issue could be that your Freon is low.

 

Freon, which is the refrigerant that helps your entire AC function is the blood of the machine.  This refrigerant is in charge of cooling your home by absorbing the heat out of the air inside your home.  Which means that if it is low, then your unit will not properly cool your home.

 

If your Freon is low, it is a major problem because it can cause some serious damage to your air conditioner if it is not recharged.  There are some signs that you can keep an eye out for that can alert you to the possibility.

 

If you notice that the air that is blowing out of your vents or registers is lukewarm or even warm.

 

Your energy bills are much higher than they normally are during this time of year.  This is because your AC unit will run for longer periods of time to try and cool your home to the temperature set by your thermostat.

You hear bubbling or hissing sounds which means that there is a leak.  A refrigerant leak is pretty much the only way you can end up being low on Freon.  Which when it escapes through the leak, it will make that bubbling or hissing noise.

 

If your notice that it is taking longer and longer for your home to cool down could be a sign that the Freon is low.  Since Freon is in charge of absorbing the heat from the air, if it is low on Freon on, it would take much longer for it to accomplish that which means it would take longer to cool your home down.

 

One of the big things is that if your refrigerant line has an ice buildup.  Connected to your outdoor unit, there is a copper line that is for your refrigerant.  Your AC evaporator coil will send the refrigerant through this line and if the Freon is low, the coils get too cold and causes a cold liquid refrigerant to flow through the line.  What happens then is that surrounding moisture that is on the refrigerant line will freeze up.  This can potentially cause damage to your outside unit compressor if this refrigerant flows back.  The compressor is not made to compress liquids, only gas and if it is forced to try and compress the liquid, it can cause severe damage.  This is a pretty pricey part to replace, especially if you do not have a warranty and could potentially need to end up replacing the entire unit.

 

If you suspect that your Freon is low, it is always best to call a trusted HVAC specialist like Autumn Mechanical to come out and troubleshoot your AC.  If there is a leak, they will be able to fix it and have the correct tools to do that as well as refill the Freon in your unit.

 

A way to avoid something like this to happen is make sure to stay up to date with your AC tune-up.  During the tune-up process, one of the things they will inspect is any potential leaks.

 

If your air conditioning system is not operating correctly or is in need of its annual maintenance to prevent potential issues, please contact us today to schedule your appointment.  Do not be strand in the blasting heat of Houston, Texas summer without a cool home.

 

 

Autumn Mechanical
18812 Tomato St.
Spring, TX 77379
(713) 864-8368
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