Why Your AC Needs Refrigerant To Run Properly

refrigerantYour air conditioning system is made up of many vital parts that help make your home comfortable. The refrigerant is one of these essential parts. It is a cooling substance used in an air conditioning system’s cooling cycle. Without the coolant, air can still flow through your AC. However, the air won’t be the cool air that you expect. As a result, your cooling system pushes room temperature or even warm air through the vents inside your home.

Refrigerant issues are one of the most common concerns that homeowners experience. You need to contact a trusted local HVAC contractor when you suspect that you are having refrigerant problems. Refrigerant issues can cause permanent damages to your AC, so it is best to have them checked immediately.

Contact Lawes Company when you’re looking for the best HVAC services. Our team of professional HVAC technicians offers a wide range of HVAC services that will help your AC system run at optimum efficiency. We are equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide you with top-quality solutions at honest prices. Call us and schedule an appointment today.

Call Today: (732) 741-6300

Air Conditioner Repair Aberdeen NJ: Why Your AC Needs Refrigerant

The refrigerant is the cooling chemical used in your AC’s refrigeration cycle. It is a critical component of your air conditioning unit. In this article, we will discuss how refrigerant works and how essential it is to your A/C.

Refrigeration Cycle

air conditioner coolantThe refrigeration cycle has four stages. The first stage is when the AC blower catches the heat inside of your home. It then sends the warm air through the evaporator coil. This coil has cold refrigerant running through it. As the warm air gets cold, the refrigerant passes through and then changes to vapor to complete the second stage. The vaporized refrigerant flows to the outdoor unit and enters the compressor. The compressor then pumps the refrigerant to a high pressure which increases its temperature.

The third stage is when the hot, vaporized refrigerant passes through the condenser coil and releases its heat outside. The coolant then cools off enough that it condenses back into liquid. The last stage is when the refrigerant passes back indoors and into a particular device that lets the warm, liquid refrigerant expand. In turn, the refrigerant’s temperature drops, and it is ready to repeat the process all over again.

Explore Our HVAC Repair Services

Types Of Refrigerants

ACThere have been many types of refrigerants used over the years. Listed below are the three most common types.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

CFCs are nontoxic, nonflammable chemicals made up of chlorine, fluorine, and carbon. Their use was primary for aerosol sprays, such as blowing agents for foams and packing materials. Another common use is as a solvent and as a refrigerant for cooling. Unfortunately, the chlorine atom in CFC contributed to the greenhouse gas effect. In turn, CFCs were phased out of use because the Montreal Protocol to Reduce Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was signed in 1987.

Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)

This nontoxic, nonflammable and noncorrosive chemical compound is made up of hydrogen, chlorine, fluorine, and carbon atoms. HFC served as a CFC substitute. However, the Environmental Protection Agency mandated its phase-out in 2010 due to its impact on the atmosphere. HCFCs were discontinued for use in newer AC systems. By 2020, HCFCs will no longer be in production.

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)

This coolant is made up of hydrogen, fluorine, and carbon. HFC is a human-made chemical used as a replacement for the ozone-depleting substances previously used in air conditioning, refrigeration, solvents, foam blowing agents, and aerosols. A/Cs that use R410A not only increase indoor air quality but they are more energy-efficient as well.

Schedule An HVAC Tune-Up

Replacing Your Refrigerant: How Often?

Your AC’s refrigerant needs to be at a set level. This fixed level is known as a “charge.” Refrigerant charge means that the quantity of refrigerant in your unit is enough to cool your home correctly. In theory, your air conditioner should not lose any coolant during the refrigeration cycle. With that said, there is no need to replace your refrigerant at all. Unfortunately, leaks can happen, and these can cause the coolant to lose its charge.

Leaks can happen for many reasons such as inadequate maintenance and wear and tear. A leaking air conditioner will run your energy bill up. Also, it can cause permanent damage to your AC which leads to a massive repair bill if not addressed quickly.

Also, leaks, regardless of how small, can significantly affect your home’s thermal comfort. If you suspect that your AC is experiencing a refrigerant leak, call a trusted HVAC contractor. A NATE certified HVAC contractor is also an EPA certified technician. These professionals are trained to handle this coolant and specialize in fixing refrigerant-related issues.

Importance Of Refrigerant

Refrigerants revolutionized the way we live. It significantly makes our daily lives more comfortable. Without this cooling substance, we won’t have the air conditioning technology that we so depend on. It not only helps make our homes comfortable, but it gives us the ability to live in the most extreme of climates as well.

 

Conclusion

Now that we have established the importance of refrigerants in your AC, it is time to make sure that your AC has no refrigerant issues. Conducting routine maintenance will make sure that your and cooling system is in perfect working order. Regular maintenance ensures that your AC has the correct refrigerant charge or if there any leaks. Schedule a routine maintenance check or the necessary repairs with a local trusted HVAC contractor. Look for “air conditioner repair near me” to find a reputable service company in your area.

When you are looking for reliable HVAC contractors, contact Lawes Company. We offer professional services including air conditioning repairs, tune-ups, and installations. Our NATE certified technicians have the years of experience and knowledge to diagnose all your HVAC problems correctly. We provide the most affordable and practical solutions so you can choose which one best you’re heating and cooling system needs.

Best of all, our friendly and courteous technicians make sure that you have a pleasant experience when working with us. We back up all of our heating and air conditioning services with a warranty to ensure your satisfaction. When you need superior AC or furnace service, or the best air conditioner repair costs, we will take care of you. To schedule a free estimate, give us a call today.

Call Now: (732) 741-6300

Some of the areas we service include Belford, Hazlet, Matawan, and these zip codes: 07718, 07730, 07747, 07758, as well as all surrounding areas in Aberdeen Township, New Jersey.

Schedule a Free In-Home Consultation

Contact us now at (732) 741-6300 to find out more!