Your AC system relies on refrigerant to keep your home and office cool and comfortable. When this fluid is drained or runs low, your air conditioner may struggle to maintain the suitable temperature in your home. Worse, attempting to operate your air conditioning unit regularly when the refrigerant level is too low can result in system damage.
How Do you Check the Freon Level in-Home AC?
Here are some basic steps for testing the AC refrigerant levels.
- Check the Fan
You can begin by inspecting the AC fan. Just turn on the air conditioner and check the fan. You want to ensure that the fan starts automatically. If it doesn’t, there could be a problem with the motor. In this case, you should seek the assistance of an AC professional.
- Hissing or Bubbling Sound
A hissing or bubbling sound is one of the first signs to check for if you suspect a leak in the system. As the refrigerant escapes from a tiny hole along the lines, it will make this sound.
Failure to fix the issue may result in Freon draining from the air conditioner. In this case, turn off the AC and call for AC repair in Richmond Hill immediately for help.
- Increase in Energy Bills
A significant spike in energy bills without other changes in the home could indicate a refrigerant leak. If your air conditioner has insufficient refrigerant levels, it cannot remove as much heat in each cooling cycle, causing it to operate longer. However, other factors that can cause a spike in energy expenses, such as an old AC system or dirty and clogged air filters, should be checked as well.
To avoid such instances, you need to clean the air filters at least once every 3 weeks.
- Frost on your AC
If you notice ice or frost on your air conditioner, it can be a clear sign that your AC refrigerant levels are low. When the refrigerant level is low, the temperature of the refrigerant can fall below normal levels, causing ice to form on the refrigerant lines and the evaporator coil.
- The Soap Test Technique
This technique is the most reliable and cost-effective method for detecting a leak in your air conditioning system. If you suspect that coolant is leaking in a specific region, apply a soap and water solution to the area. If there are any refrigerant leaks, air bubbles will immediately form.
Under certain conditions, such as when the leak is small or windy outside, the soap bubbles approach is not reliable in identifying leaks.
- Electronic Leak Detectors
Electronic leak detectors are another tool to detect a refrigerant leak. This cutting-edge technology consistently gives accurate findings and is one of the most common methods for detecting leaks. Call on an HVAC specialist to do this test on your system.
Refrigeration exposure can be hazardous, and it’s always a good idea to leave it to the professionals, so don’t try to handle it yourself. At Martino HVAC, our team of professionals can promptly address any refrigerant issues with your air conditioning unit.
Call us at (647) 277-9635 or send an email to service@martinohvac.com to schedule your appointment for air conditioning service in Mississauga.