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Warning Signs of an Air Conditioning Refrigerant Leak

Is the AC Leaking Refrigerant? How Homeowners Can Know

The first iteration of the machine people know today as the air conditioner used a block of ice or cold water as a way to reduce the temperature of the air. While this method did cool the air, there was room for improvement. When scientists and engineers developed refrigerants, it significantly advanced the science of cooling. Through the somewhat simple concept of evaporation and condensation, refrigerant absorbs and releases heat, making homes and businesses more comfortable as temperatures outdoors rise. Refrigerant is the driving force behind air conditioning, so when something goes wrong with it, it has repercussions. Refrigerant leaks will cause serious issues with a home’s HVAC system, even minor ones.

Red Flag #1: The Evaporator Coil Has Frozen

The evaporator coil is the part of an air conditioning unit that absorbs heat, causing the refrigerant to enter a gaseous state. A leak, whether from a puncture or corrosion, may occur, and the gas under pressure will rapidly expand, causing the moisture in the air to freeze around the coil. This not only costs refrigerant but can also hinder the air conditioning unit in other ways. A frozen evaporator coil should be investigated right away.

Red Flag #2: The AC Is Not Cooling as It Should

What if a homeowner notices that the AC seems to reach the temperature set by the thermostat slower than usual? This can also be indicative of a refrigerant leak. If a homeowner notices the things in the list below, they should consider calling in a professional with a refrigerant leak detector.

Higher Energy Bills: Because the unit has to work harder to cool with less refrigerant, it will use more energy, increasing the household electricity bill.
Longer Cooling Cycles: If it takes a long time for the optimal temperature to reach, then there may be a problem with the refrigerant.
Warm Air from Vents: If the air coming from the vents of the HVAC system is warm or not as cool as it should be, this is another indicator of refrigerant leaks.

Red Flag #3: The Air Conditioning Is Making Strange Noises

Another sign that there is a problem with the refrigerant is unusual sounds. These are usually coming from the air conditioning unit itself. Sounds that are coming through the vents are usually indicative of a problem with the air ducts. If the AC unit makes any of the following sounds, it should be investigated, especially if it is paired with any of the abovementioned occurrences.

Bubbling
Gurgling
Hissing
Whistling

A homeowner should never try to detect the leak on their own. Breathing in refrigerant gas can make a person very ill, so steer clear. Call a professional HVAC technician who can use the proper tools to find and fix the leak.

About Air Care Heating and Cooling

Located in Mint Hill, NC, and serving the Greater Charlotte Area, Air Care Heating and Cooling offers 24/7 emergency service, upfront pricing, and guaranteed satisfaction. Call this BBB-accredited business today for AC service.

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3 Signs That an Evaporator Coil Needs Cleaning

Why Get Professional Evaporator Coil Cleaning

Homeowners should schedule professional evaporator coil cleaning services to keep their air conditioners running correctly. These maintenance services performed by an HVAC contractor can provide many benefits, including improved energy efficiency, enhanced cooling performance, better temperature control, and improved air quality.

Professionals can advise homeowners on what signs to watch for that indicate an evaporator coil needs to be cleaned, including a loss of cooling, a buildup of frost, or a loss of cooling capabilities.

Loss of Cooling Function

One of the first symptoms a property owner might notice that can signal the evaporator coil needs to be cleaned is if the air conditioner fails to cool the home. A dirty coil can prevent the AC system from properly cooling a home due to:

Frost or buildup on the coil, can hinder the heat exchange process
Refrigerant leaks, can compromise the cooling capacity
Coil corrosion or damage that can prevent the heat transfer process from working correctly
Clogged coils due to dust, dirt, or debris can insulate the coil and prevent the heat transfer from occurring correctly

Frost

If frost builds up on an evaporator coil, it requires professional cleaning services. Frost can develop due to problems with airflow – typically caused by a clogged air filter or a blocked vent. When the ice develops, it prevents the coil from absorbing heat from the air, causing a drop in cooling performance.

If a frozen evaporator coil occurs, homeowners might notice the house feels warmer than it should be, and it will not cool to the temperature on the thermostat.

The AC Runs Longer

Another sign homeowners can watch for that indicates a dirty evaporator coil is if the air conditioner runs longer than it needs to. Longer cycles can happen because the AC system can’t properly cool the house to the setting on the thermostat.

A dirty AC coil can cause an air conditioner to run continuously due to:

A reduced cooling efficiency due to frost buildup or dirt accumulation prevents it from correctly absorbing heat from the air
An inadequate heat exchange process, causes the AC system to overwork
A temperature imbalance if the house is not cooled evenly
Uneven cooling can prevent the thermostat from displaying an accurate reading
A malfunctioning sensor that prevents the air conditioner from turning off

Homeowners should schedule professional services with a trusted HVAC company if they notice these issues. AC contractors can inspect the air conditioner and AC evaporator coils and perform cleaning services.

About Air Care Heating and Cooling

Since 2007, Air Care Heating and Cooling has provided quality heating and cooling services to the Charlotte area. They provide fast, quality services, and offer 24/7 emergency appointments. Call them today for HVAC services in Mint Hill, SC.

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3 Signs To Replace Your AC

Three Signs You May Need a New AC

When summer weather arrives, Charlotte, NC residents need to know their air conditioner is up to keep their house cool and comfortable all summer. If it starts to act up, homeowners need to know what signs to look for that indicate they must schedule air conditioner replacement services as soon as possible.

Some symptoms AC contractors recommend watching for are strange noises coming from the AC, higher energy bills than usual, and weak airflow. If residents notice these, they should schedule an appointment to see if they need to replace their system.

Strange Noises & Bad Smells

When an air conditioner starts to break down and needs to be replaced, there are numerous signs homeowners can look for indicating they need to schedule air conditioning replacement services. Two common symptoms are strange noises and foul odors.

Strange sounds: If an air conditioner starts making odd noises, technicians suggest this could indicate a mechanical issue with the system. Sounds like grinding, screeching, or banging can signal key components – like the motor or fan – are malfunctioning. These can break down over time due to wear and tear. Instead of replacing the individual parts, it can be more cost-effective for homeowners to install a new AC system.
Foul odors: Bad smells from the air conditioner can suggest a few issues. One common problem is the presence of mold or mildew inside the unit or the ductwork. When moisture accumulates within the system, it can cause them to grow. Another frequently noticed odor is a burning smell. This can indicate serious issues that require immediate attention. It could indicate a serious problem that can put the household at risk. Depending on the cause of the smell, technicians may recommend replacing the system.

Higher Energy Bills

Suppose homeowners suddenly notice their energy bills are higher and their air conditioner usage has been the same. In that case, it can indicate their system is aging and is no longer operating as efficiently as it used to. Older units may not have newer models’ latest energy efficiency standards. Newer models often come with improved technology and higher energy efficiency ratings, which can lead to lower utility bills and reduced environmental impact.

If a home’s system is consuming excessive energy and causing a significant increase in cooling costs, AC technicians may recommend upgrading to a more energy-efficient model.

Weak Airflow

If homeowners notice that even though their air conditioner is running, the amount of cool air coming through the vents is weaker, or the air is not as cool as it should be, it can indicate the AC unit needs to be replaced.

When AC contractors inspect the system to determine what’s causing the reduced airflow, they will likely check the blower fan, the age, and size of the unit, and look for blockages or refrigerant issues.

An air conditioner’s blower fan pushes air through the system and the home. If this fan malfunctions, it can lead to reduced airflow. While the fan can be repaired, in some cases, replacing it can be more cost-effective.

The size of an air conditioner can also impact its ability to cool the house. If it’s undersized, it won’t be able to produce enough air to cool the house. Older AC systems also can struggle to cool homes.

Another issue technicians will look for is blockages or refrigerant leaks. These can disrupt the cooling process and lead to weak airflow. Blockages can occur in the condenser coils or refrigerant lines, limiting refrigerant flow and hindering cooling efficiency.

About Air Care Heating and Cooling

Air Care Heating and Cooling provides trusted heating and cooling services to the Charlotte area. They are BBB accredited and provide upfront pricing for every job. Call them today for HVAC services in Mint Hill, NC.