The refrigerant of your HVAC system is a vital component that keeps your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, making it absolutely essential for your comfort. A major part of keeping your HVAC system running smoothly is ensuring it has the correct refrigerant levels. Here’s how professionals do that.
The Significance of Proper Refrigerant Levels
Knowing how refrigerant works in an HVAC system is key to understanding its importance. This handy substance absorbs heat from inside your home and releases it outside, thereby cooling your living spaces during those hot summer months.
In the winter, the process reverses to heat your home. However, if your HVAC system is either low or high on refrigerant, it may not heat or cool efficiently and could even result in system damage. That’s why getting regular AC service is crucial to ensure the right refrigerant level is maintained.
The Process of Checking Refrigerant Levels
Determine the Type of Refrigerant
The first step in refrigerant level checks is determining the type of refrigerant used. This is essential because there are multiple types available. Each type has its own set of characteristics and requires specific tools and methods for processing.
Check the Pressure
Once the type of refrigerant has been identified, pressure gauges are used to measure the pressure. This is an important step in evaluating the refrigerant level as pressure readings suggest whether the system is low, high or in a balanced state. It also helps identify any existing leaks.
Determine the Evaporation and Condensation Temperatures
Evaluating the evaporation and condensation temperatures is also a crucial step. This helps technicians further determine whether your system is operating with the right levels of refrigerant.
Measure the Temperature on the Installation
Using specialized tools like a digital thermometer, technicians measure the temperature on the installation. This helps ascertain if the trend is correct and suggests if the refrigerant level is correct.
Calculate the Superheating and Subcooling
Technicians calculate the superheating and subcooling, which indicate whether the refrigerant is correct. These also help technicians identify any existing issues with the system.
Check for Leaks
Lastly, the technicians utilize specialized equipment and methods to check for leaks. This is perhaps the most essential step in an accurate diagnosis of refrigerant levels. Even a pinhole-sized leak can cause your system to become imbalanced, resulting in frequent AC repair or replacement.
What Happens When Your Refrigerant Levels Run Low?
When your refrigerant levels are too low, your system won’t be able to dissipate heat effectively. This will cause your AC to run constantly without achieving the desired temperature, resulting in significantly higher energy bills.
Additionally, the compressor and other components may be damaged due to excess strain, leading to costly repairs or even complete system failure. Therefore, it’s a no-brainer that regular AC service is a must to keep all components in check and avoid such issues.
EZ Air Conditioning and Heating is a trusted company that provides reliable HVAC services. Whether you need AC installation or maintenance, you can count on us for quality work. Call us at (210) 429-9186 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.
