When an air conditioning (AC) unit is low on refrigerant or completely out of refrigerant, it can result in several noticeable symptoms. Refrigerant is the crucial substance that allows an AC system to remove heat from indoor air and cool your living space. When the refrigerant level is low, the AC system cannot function properly, and various issues may arise. Here are some common symptoms of an AC unit with insufficient or no refrigerant:
Blowing Warm Air: One of the most apparent signs is that the AC unit blows warm or lukewarm air instead of cool air. This happens because there isn't enough refrigerant to absorb and transfer heat effectively.
Reduced Cooling Capacity: If the AC unit doesn't cool your space as well as it used to, or if it takes much longer to reach the desired temperature, low refrigerant could be the culprit.
Constant Running: The AC system may run continuously or frequently cycle on and off as it struggles to maintain the desired temperature due to the lack of refrigerant.
Frozen Evaporator Coil: In some cases, the evaporator coil (located inside the indoor unit) may freeze over. This happens because the refrigerant is not absorbing enough heat, causing condensation to freeze on the coil's surface.
Hissing or Bubbling Sounds: You might hear unusual sounds like hissing or bubbling coming from the AC unit. These noises could indicate refrigerant leaks in the system.
Increased Energy Bills: A refrigerant leak will force the AC system to work harder and longer to achieve the desired cooling, leading to higher energy consumption and elevated utility bills.
AC Unit Doesn't Turn On: In severe cases of refrigerant loss, the AC compressor may have safety mechanisms that prevent it from turning on altogether to avoid damage.
If you suspect your AC unit is low on refrigerant, it's essential to have it checked by a qualified HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) technician. Attempting to add refrigerant without identifying and fixing potential leaks can be a temporary solution and might lead to further damage to the system. A professional can diagnose the issue, repair any leaks, and recharge the refrigerant to restore your AC unit's proper functioning.