Living in Arizona makes it essential to have a fully working air conditioning (AC) unit. With summer temperatures often exceeding 100°F, you need your AC to work efficiently. However, one of the most common issues with air conditioners is low refrigerant, also called Freon. Freon helps in cooling the air, and if your unit is low on it, it won’t cool your home properly.
In this blog, we’ll look at five signs that your AC unit is low on Freon and needs some attention.
- Warm Air Blowing from Vents
The first thing you’ll notice if your AC is low on Freon is that it blows warm or mildly cool air instead of cold air. You might turn on your AC expecting a refreshing cool breeze, but it just doesn’t feel cold. This often happens because Freon is what cools the air in your system. Without enough of it, the air won’t get properly cooled. This can make your home feel quite uncomfortable, and you’ll want to get it checked immediately. - Longer Cooling Times
Normally, when you turn on your AC, your home should cool down in a reasonable amount of time. But if you notice that it’s taking much longer for your home to reach the desired temperature, your AC may be low on Freon. The AC struggles because there isn’t enough refrigerant to cool the air efficiently. If you keep running the AC for longer periods without addressing the issue, it can lead to more wear and tear on the system. - Higher Energy Bills
Another clear sign of low Freon is a spike in your energy bills. When the AC unit is low on refrigerant, it works harder to cool your home. This means it uses more energy, which leads to higher electricity costs. If you’ve been noticing unusual jumps in your monthly bills, this could be due to low Freon levels. Given that air conditioning already makes up a big portion of energy use in Arizona homes, this can really hurt your wallet. - Frozen Evaporator Coil
If you open up your AC and see ice or frost on the evaporator coil, it’s likely a sign that the unit is low on Freon. Freon helps absorb heat from the air, and without enough of it, the coil gets too cold. When the coil freezes, it affects the cooling process even more. This not only decreases the efficiency of your AC but can also lead to more serious issues if left unchecked. You may end up with a completely broken system, which can be expensive to repair or replace. - Hissing or Bubbling Sounds
Freon leaks are one of the most common reasons for low refrigerant levels. If you hear hissing or bubbling noises coming from your AC unit, it could mean that Freon is escaping through a leak. These leaks can happen for various reasons, such as normal wear and tear or damage to the system. It’s important to get these leaks fixed quickly because running your AC without enough Freon can damage the compressor, which is a costly component to replace.
Why Should You Act Quickly?
If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, it’s important to call a professional AC repair service to check your AC unit. Running an air conditioner with low Freon for too long can cause more damage, leading to expensive repairs or even the need for a new unit. Moreover, low refrigerant levels reduce the overall efficiency of the AC, which means you’ll end up paying more in energy costs while not enjoying a properly cooled home.
A professional HVAC technician in Arizona can inspect your AC system, identify any leaks, and top up the Freon if necessary. This will not only help restore your AC’s cooling ability but also save you money in the long run by preventing bigger problems down the road.
Reach out to Brewer’s Air Conditioning & Heating if you suspect low Freon levels in your AC. Taking care of it now will save you money and ensure that your system runs smoothly when you need it most.
