The air conditioner’s on full blast, but your house still feels sticky and warm. Maybe the air from the vents isn’t as cool as it used to be, or your power bill suddenly spiked for no apparent reason. These are common clues that your AC system might be low on refrigerant. However, the solution isn’t just a simple top-off.
Understanding how refrigerant works, recognizing the warning signs of a leak, and knowing when to call a professional can help you avoid expensive repairs and stay cool all summer long.
What Refrigerant Actually Does
Refrigerant is the invisible MVP of your air conditioning system. It’s a chemical compound that circulates through the AC’s closed system, absorbing heat from inside your home and releasing it outdoors. Without it, your air conditioner can’t cool the air.
The system is designed to operate with a specific amount of refrigerant. If it’s low, it’s not because your AC used it up. It means there’s a leak somewhere that needs attention.
The Type of Refrigerant Your AC Uses Matters
The kind of refrigerant in your system depends on its make, model, and manufacturing year. Systems built before 2010 often use R-22 (sometimes called HCFC-22), which has been phased out due to environmental concerns. R-22 is still available for servicing older units but is expensive and increasingly hard to find.
Systems designed before 2025 use R-410A, a safer and more environmentally responsible alternative. However, units being produced now use an even newer refrigerant. These refrigerants are now standard because they reduce the greenhouse gas emissions.
If you’re unsure which type your system uses, check the nameplate on the outdoor condenser unit. It should be listed there. Or, a technician from Greers Ferry Heat & Air can help you identify it.
What’s important to know: mixing refrigerant types or using the wrong one can seriously damage your system and void warranties. This is not something you want to guess at or experiment with.
Thinking of Refilling It Yourself? Please Don’t.
Handling refrigerant is a bad idea. Not only is it hazardous, but it’s illegal unless you’re certified. The chemicals used in AC systems can be toxic, flammable, and even asphyxiating. Exposure can lead to severe health issues, including blindness and respiratory distress. Plus, leaking refrigerant can cause environmental damage if not handled properly.
Licensed HVAC professionals have the training, tools, and certification to manage refrigerants safely. They don’t just “top it off”; they locate leaks, repair them, ensure the system is safe, and then refill to the manufacturer’s specifications. They’re also required to safely dispose of any recovered refrigerant, keeping everyone safer in the process.
How to Know If Your AC Is Low on Refrigerant
Since refrigerant doesn’t get “used up” like gas in a car, any level drop typically means something’s wrong. A leak somewhere in the system is the usual culprit—and it needs fixing before adding more refrigerant. Here’s how your system might be letting you know:
- The air blowing out isn’t cool anymore: If the vents are pushing lukewarm or even warm air, the system may not have enough refrigerant to absorb indoor heat.
- Cooling takes forever—or never really happens: The AC runs longer than usual without getting the house to the set temperature.
- Ice builds up where it shouldn’t: Look at the evaporator coil inside your indoor unit or around refrigerant lines. Ice buildup is a red flag that the system is under stress.
- Power bills have suddenly spiked: A struggling AC system will run longer and work harder to try to cool your home, often leading to increased energy usage and costs.
- You hear strange sounds: Hissing or bubbling noises near the indoor or outdoor unit often indicate a refrigerant leak in the line.
These signs don’t always mean a refrigerant issue—but they’re reason enough to get a pro out to check.
If You Suspect a Leak, Here’s What to Do
Once you notice signs that your AC might be low on refrigerant, don’t wait around hoping it’ll fix itself. Here’s a simple action plan that’ll help avoid further damage:
- Turn the AC off: Set your thermostat from “COOL” to “OFF.” This helps prevent additional strain on your system, especially the compressor, which can be damaged if the unit runs with low refrigerant.
- Switch the fan to “ON”: This circulates air through the system, helping melt any ice that may have formed on the coil. It also helps your HVAC tech inspect the system more easily when they arrive.
- Avoid the temptation to buy a DIY refill kit: There’s no shortcut here that is safe or effective.
- Call your friends at Greers Ferry Heat & Air: Our pro will run a system check, locate the leak, determine how much refrigerant is needed, and verify that the problem is resolved before recharging the system.
Why Fast Action Matters
Delaying refrigerant service can turn a minor issue into a big repair. Low refrigerant forces the system to work overtime, increasing wear and tear on the compressor. If the compressor burns out, you may be looking at replacing the whole system, especially if your unit is already older.
Leaks also release refrigerant into the air, which is bad for both your family’s health and the environment. Addressing leaks promptly keeps your home safe and your cooling system efficient.
Even if your AC seems “mostly working,” a slow leak will eventually catch up with you. And it will usually do it during the hottest week of the summer.
Keep Your AC Healthy With Professional Support
When refrigerant issues are caught early, they’re usually easy to fix. Waiting too long often means higher repair costs, discomfort, and headaches. That’s why getting your AC checked before summer gets into full swing or at the first sign of trouble is a good idea.
Routine maintenance helps ensure your refrigerant is at the correct level and there are no early signs of leakage. If you haven’t had your system inspected in a while, or if your energy bills are creeping up for no apparent reason, it’s time to call us to schedule a visit.
Our certified team is trained to safely handle all refrigerant types, detect leaks, and ensure your system runs like it should. Regardless of the make and model of your HVAC unit, we’ve got the tools, training, and experience to keep your home cool and your system safe.
Stay Cool This Summer Without the Guesswork
If your AC shows signs of low refrigerant or is not keeping up with the heat, don’t wait for it to worsen. Skipping service now can lead to higher costs and severe system damage later.
Our team is here to help. Contact us today at (501) 825-7295 to schedule a refrigerant check or full system inspection. We’ll ensure everything works as it should so you can enjoy a cool, comfortable home all season long.