How to Determine If Your AC Unit Needs a Recharge
When the summer heat is relentless, your air conditioner becomes your best friend. But what happens when it stops blowing cold air, struggles to cool your home, or runs constantly without relief? It could be a sign that your AC unit is low on refrigerant.
We know how important a well-functioning AC system is to your comfort. If you’re wondering whether your AC needs a recharge, this guide will walk you through the warning signs, possible causes, and when to call a professional for help.
What Does an AC Recharge Mean?
Your air conditioner relies on refrigerant (commonly Freon or newer eco-friendly alternatives like R-410A) to absorb heat from your home and release it outside. Unlike fuel or oil, refrigerant isn’t something that naturally depletes over time.
If your system is low on refrigerant, there’s usually a leak that needs to be addressed before adding more. Simply refilling the refrigerant without fixing the leak will only provide a temporary solution.
Signs Your AC Unit Might Need a Recharge
1. Warm or Weak Airflow
If your AC blows warm or slightly cool air instead of icy cold air, your refrigerant levels may be too low to remove heat from your home effectively. Weak airflow, another symptom of low refrigerant, can also indicate pressure issues in the system.
2. AC Runs Constantly Without Cooling
Does your air conditioner seem to be working overtime without reaching the desired temperature? When refrigerant is low, your AC struggles to reach the thermostat setting, leading to longer cycles, higher energy bills, and more wear on the system.
3. Ice Buildup on the Refrigerant Lines or Evaporator Coil
Refrigerant is responsible for absorbing heat, and when levels are low, the coils can become too cold, causing condensation to freeze. If you notice ice forming on the copper refrigerant lines or around the evaporator coil, your AC may be in trouble.
4. Hissing or Bubbling Noises
Refrigerant leaks often cause hissing sounds from small holes or bubbling noises from liquid refrigerant escaping. If you hear unusual sounds near your AC unit, it’s time to schedule a professional inspection.
5. Higher Energy Bills Without Explanation
Low refrigerant levels make your AC work harder to cool your home, leading to increased energy consumption. If you notice a sudden spike in your electricity bill, a refrigerant issue could be the culprit.
6. Water Leaks Around the Indoor Unit
When the evaporator coil freezes due to low refrigerant, it eventually melts and creates excess moisture, which can drip around your indoor air handler. If you see unexplained water pooling, it may be time to check your AC’s performance.
Why Is Your AC Losing Refrigerant?
Since refrigerant doesn’t run out like gasoline or oil, a low level almost always means there’s a leak somewhere in your system. Ignoring the issue and simply adding more refrigerant is like inflating a tire with a hole—it might work for a little while, but the problem will keep coming back until the leak is properly repaired.
Common Causes of Refrigerant Loss
There are several reasons why your AC might be leaking refrigerant, and understanding them can help you prevent future issues.
- Corroded or Damaged Coils: Over time, your AC’s evaporator coils—responsible for absorbing heat from your home—can develop small pinhole leaks due to corrosion. This often happens when moisture, dirt, and chemicals in the air combine to form acids that slowly eat away at the metal. Homes near the coast or in areas with high humidity are especially susceptible to this type of corrosion.
- Loose or Faulty Connections: Your AC unit consists of several connections, valves, and joints that must be tightly sealed to prevent refrigerant from escaping. Over time, these connections may become loose due to vibration, wear and tear, or poor initial installation. If these fittings weaken, refrigerant can start leaking.
- Physical Damage: If your AC unit has suffered any impact, bending, or physical stress, refrigerant lines can crack or break. This is more common in outdoor units, where accidental damage from lawn equipment, falling branches, or even animals can compromise the refrigerant lines.
- Factory Defects: Although rare, some AC systems leave the factory with flawed welding, improper seals, or manufacturing defects that make them prone to early refrigerant loss. In these cases, leaks may occur even in a newer unit. If you’ve recently installed a new AC and are already experiencing refrigerant issues, it may still be under warranty—so it’s worth checking with the manufacturer or your installer.
The Danger of Ignoring a Refrigerant Leak
A refrigerant leak doesn’t just affect cooling performance—it puts strain on your entire AC system. Here’s why:
- Higher Energy Bills: With less refrigerant, your AC has to work harder and run longer to cool your home, leading to increased energy consumption and skyrocketing electricity bills.
- Compressor Damage: The compressor is the heart of your AC system and is responsible for circulating refrigerant. Running your system with low refrigerant can cause the compressor to overheat and fail, leading to an expensive repair or even total system replacement.
- Frozen Coils & Water Damage: A refrigerant leak can cause ice to form on your evaporator coils, eventually melting and leading to water damage around your unit. This can create mold growth and further damage to your home.
- Environmental Harm: Refrigerants are regulated chemicals that, when leaked, can contribute to ozone depletion and climate change. That’s why proper handling and repair by a licensed professional is crucial.
Why a Recharge Alone Won’t Solve the Problem
If your system has a refrigerant leak, simply refilling the refrigerant is not a permanent fix. The leak will continue, and before long, you’ll be back where you started—with warm air blowing from your vents and a struggling AC system.
Can You Recharge Your AC Unit Yourself?
While DIY refrigerant kits are available, recharging your AC isn’t as simple as adding more coolant. Handling refrigerant requires EPA certification, and improperly charging the system can cause more damage, reduce efficiency, or create safety hazards.
Here’s why hiring a professional is the best choice:
- Leak Detection & Repair: A technician can find and seal leaks before adding refrigerant.
- Proper Refrigerant Measurement: Too much or too little refrigerant can reduce efficiency and harm your compressor.
- System Optimization: A professional service ensures optimal cooling performance, preventing unnecessary breakdowns.
When to Call Liberty Plumbing for an AC Recharge
If your AC shows one or more of these warning signs, it’s time to call the experts at Liberty Plumbing. Our trained technicians will:
- Perform a full AC inspection to detect leaks and system inefficiencies.
- Fix any refrigerant leaks to prevent recurring issues.
- Recharge your system safely with the correct refrigerant type and level.
- Ensure your AC runs at peak efficiency, helping you stay cool while keeping energy costs low.
Don’t suffer through the heat—let Liberty Plumbing restore your AC’s cooling power today. Contact us at (951) 760-4215 for professional AC service and get your home back to comfortable temperatures!
