We often get this question from homeowners who want to make sure that their air conditioners are in ideal condition for the summer. While it is true that there are certain conditions under which your air conditioner would need more refrigerant, these are rare. Let’s take a look at how your air conditioner uses refrigerant, and when you need to have more added to it.
How Refrigerant Works
Refrigerant is not a single type of fluid, but a wide range of different heat transfer fluids that serve the same purpose. Your air conditioner cools your home by evaporating refrigerant in the inside unit. This siphons heat from the air in your ducts. The refrigerant gas is then sent down the refrigerant line to the condenser coil outside, where it is condensed back into liquid. This releases the collected heat outside. The air conditioner never consumes refrigerant during operation, but recycles it back and forth between gaseous and liquid states. The charge of refrigerant that the system receives upon installation should be enough to last its entire lifespan. However, there are certain problems that can drain the system of refrigerant.
Refrigerant Leaks
Under certain conditions, leaks can open up in the air conditioner’s refrigerant line. This will slowly drain the air conditioner of the fluid that it requires to operate. Over time, the system’s output will drop as refrigerant drains out of it. Eventually, parts of the air conditioner will start malfunctioning and breaking down. If you notice fluid dripping from your air conditioner, you should call for repairs immediately. This is pretty much the only time that you will need to have more fluid added to your air conditioning system.
Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling offers comprehensive air conditioning repair services throughout North Wales, PA. Call today for an appointment.