Although your HVAC system is one of the most important systems in your home, you probably don’t think much about it until something goes wrong. If you come home to a hot house, then you might be wondering how you can get your air conditioning system running again.

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. This system is what controls the environmental conditions inside your house through heating and cooling. If you come home to a hot, stuffy house on a summer day, it could be that the air conditioning portion of your HVAC system is not working properly.

One of the most important parts of your air conditioning system is the refrigerant. The refrigerant is the substance that takes the heat from your house and turns it into cold air. When an air conditioner isn’t working properly, it could mean that it is low on refrigerant.

When your HVAC system is low on refrigerant, your air conditioner won’t cool your home efficiently. Running an air conditioner that is low on refrigerant can damage your HVAC system.

How Do You Know If Your Air Conditioner Is Low on Refrigerant?

There are several signs that your AC is leaking, such as:

• Your home does not reach the temperature set on your thermostat
• Your air conditioner is constantly running
• You have extremely high electric bills
• Warm air is coming from the air vents
• Hissing sounds coming from your indoor unit
• Frozen coils or condensation on the condenser coils

Most Common Areas for Refrigerant Leaks

There are several places where it is common for the refrigerant to leak.

• Evaporator coils – These are located on the inside unit. It is common for evaporator coils to get multiple small leaks, which is why it is often a good idea to just replace the entire coil if the leak is coming from your evaporator coil.
• Condenser coils – Although not as common as leaking evaporator coils, leaks can occur in your outdoor condenser coils.
• Refrigerant line sets – These often leak at the joint connections. They can also leak if they are hit with a lawn mower or weed eater. If you have recently had renovations done to the outside of your home, then it is a good idea to check these out if your AC is not cooling properly.

What Should You Do If You Suspect A Leak?

HVAC systems do not normally need refrigerant added unless there is a problem. It is not normal for the refrigerant to leak out of a system. Therefore, if your AC is leaking, you should have a Jacksonville AC repair company come in and troubleshoot the leak.

Usually, identifying the cause of a refrigerant leak is a pretty straightforward procedure. A Jacksonville AC service technician can locate the leak of the freon and then provide you with options to repair it. When you have an air conditioner leak, it is always best to get to the root of the problem and have it fixed by a trained technician.

The performance and efficiency of your home air conditioner is best when it is properly maintained and charged by a professional AC technician.