When was the last time you had your aircon’s refrigerant level checked? Now, you might be thinking why this inspection is necessary. That is because you might find yourself saddled with an expensive electricity bill should your AC unit run low on refrigerant (Freon). Moreover, you could risk an air conditioner breakdown, resulting in costly repairs, or worse, the need to get a new replacement.
So now that you understand the importance of maintaining your aircon’s refrigerant level, the most pressing question on your mind will likely be, “How do I know if my aircon is running low on refrigerant?”. Fortunately, there are several tell-tale signs to keep an eye on. Read on to learn more.
Sign #1: The aircon is not blowing out cold air
Your aircon works by blowing cold air into your room. However, when the refrigerant runs low, the AC unit cannot absorb as much heat from the air as designed before redirecting it back into the room. Consequently, the air blowing from the vents will feel warmer than it should. As a result, you will still feel warm despite adjusting the thermostat to a lower setting.
While having warm air coming out of your AC unit does not always mean that your aircon is running low on Freon, it is a distinct possibility. So if you notice your aircon is not cold recently, we recommend hiring a technician to inspect your AC unit to discover the root cause. It is best to have this issue sorted out as soon as possible.
Sign #2: It takes a long time for your room to cool down
An unwanted side effect of having warm air blowing out of the air vent is that your room will take longer to cool down. This issue is further exacerbated by Singapore’s hot and humid climate, meaning your aircon has to work even harder to cool your room. As a result, the AC unit will experience wear and tear faster.
So if you have been tossing and turning in bed frequently due to warm temperatures despite turning on the aircon during bedtime, it is possible that the low refrigerant level is the culprit. In this case, you must schedule aircon maintenance to resolve the issue – a well-maintained AC unit is crucial in cooling your room effortlessly,
Sign #3: Your electricity bills are skyrocketing
Naturally, your aircon will consume more power when it is working harder to cool your room. And a higher energy consumption means a higher electricity bill. Reviewing your recent electricity bills and comparing the prices month-to-month can help identify issues with your AC unit. If there is a spike in your utility expenses recently, it could be a sign that your aircon is running low on refrigerant and requires maintenance.
Sign #4: Ice starts to form around the refrigerant line
This sign is not as immediately apparent as the others, as this requires you to inspect your AC unit, which is not something you would typically do unless you already suspect your aircon is low on refrigerant. So if you have noticed the previous signs we shared and have a nagging suspicion, you can consider examining the copper line to see if ice has formed around it.
If you spot ice forming around the refrigerant line, it is the clearest indicator that your unit is low on Freon. Why is this the case? Well, when the refrigerant runs low, the evaporator coil becomes much colder than it usually is. As a result, the moisture on the copper line freezes up. Avoid letting this issue fester, and contact a technician to resolve this problem as soon as possible to prevent damage to your AC unit.
Sign #5: Water leakage
Over time, the ice buildup on and around the refrigerant lines will start to melt, forming a puddle near or around the furnace area. So if your aircon is leaking water and you notice the water is dripping to the floor or into the furnace, it is time to schedule an immediate service and repair.
Learn More: Is Your AC Leaking Water? 4 Reasons For The Leak
We hope what we shared can help you quickly identify when your aircon is running low on refrigerant. Contact a reliable aircon technician immediately if you spot any one of these tell-tale signs. Fortunately, you do not have to search far for one. At Jetstyle Aircon, our professional technicians have vast experience dealing with various types of air conditioners. As such, you can rest easy knowing your aircon is in safe hands. Contact us today to learn more about our prices and services.
