As an HVAC technician in O’Fallon, there is one phrase in particular that we do not like to hear when a customer calls in…. “I just need to have my refrigerant topped off,” or “I just need a little shot of freon,”.
Understanding how your AC works
This statement bothers us for many reasons as professional HVAC technicians. First and most importantly, your HVAC system should never require added refrigerant in order to perform properly. During the start-up and commissioning of the air conditioning unit, the refrigerant levels should be tested and charged to the appropriate levels.
Once the system is properly charged, it should NEVER need refrigerant added to it again, during a normal life-cycle. The reason your air conditioner should never consume refrigerant? The refrigeration system is a hermetically sealed system, so once the coils are brazed in, leak checked, and charged properly, nothing should ever come back out. If the refrigerant needs to be added regularly, then your system has a leak.
Dangers of AC Leaks
A leak can cause damage to your system as well as make it underperform. When your system is low on refrigerant, the capacity drops, increasing your energy bills, decreasing comfort levels and shortening the life of the system.
A leak is not only harmful to your system, it’s also harmful to your family’s health and the environment. Refrigerants are chemicals used in air conditioning and refrigeration systems that transfer heat and cool the air. Refrigerants in contact with the human body can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, as well as headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
Long-term exposure to refrigerants can also cause more serious health issues as the refrigerant continually enters the body and starts affecting your organs. Refrigerants are also harmful to the environment, contributing to the depletion of the ozone layer and climate change. When refrigerant leaks into the atmosphere, it is never good.
Do yourself, your family, and our planet a favor. When your air conditioner is leaking, call a professional service company like Stay Cool Climate Control and get the leak addressed as soon as possible!