If your StL AC unit is low on coolant/refrigerant, or Freon as it’s more commonly known as, then it’s time to purchase more. You’ll probably be paying a higher than normal Ameren or Cuivre River electric bill and you’re running the risk of a costly air conditioner unit breakdown.
To ensure cost and energy savings this year, be aware of these 7 signs of low refrigerant.
- It takes a really long time for your home to cool off. With high temperatures, your AC is working in overdrive to cool your home. Low refrigerant makes this worse with high indoor temperatures and high costs.
- Cool air is not coming out of your vents. Warm or lukewarm air blowing through the vents could indicate many different issues, but low refrigerant could be one of the causes.
- The temperature you set your t-stat to is never reached. If you put your thermostat at 75, but the thermometer never reaches that number, there’s an issue with your AC and you need to have it checked.
- Your electric bill is higher than normal. Comparing your electric bills month-to-month and year-to-year can help you identify issues with your HVAC unit. If you experience higher than normal electricity costs, have your air conditioner serviced.
- Ice is forming on refrigerant lines. If you suspect your air conditioner is low on refrigerant, check the unit for ice build up. Ice accumulation on copper tubing or the evaporator coil occurs when an air conditioner does not have enough refrigerant.
- Water leaking are visible around heater. When the ice that accumulates on the refrigerant lines melts, then water can puddle up near the furnace. This water can then drip to the floor or into the furnace. You should never see water on the floor near your furnace.
- Hissing or bubbling noise. If you’re low on refrigerant, it’s because there is a leak somewhere. A hissing or bubbling noise can indicate an AC refrigerant leak in the system which will have to be repaired by an HVAC service technician.
Don’t let low refrigerant ruin your hot St. Louis summer with high temperatures and high energy costs. Get your air conditioner serviced today to get the temperature in your home and your electric bill back to normal. Signing up for AAA Service Club Membership Plan is a great way to make sure your AC unit is set with an annual scheduled AC Clean and Check appointment that we call you to set for the hot summer ahead.
For more information, visit our recent blog post on Freon and Your St. Louis Air Conditioner.
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