Imagine turning on your air conditioner for some cold air on a hot summer day — and what you’re greeted with is warm and weak airflow. One common reason your AC could be underperforming is low refrigerant. Refrigerant is what your AC uses to cool your home, and without enough of it, your home’s overall indoor comfort and efficiency could be seriously affected.

Below, this AC repair company in Westmont, Illinois, is going to share some of the common warning signs of low refrigerant. We will also tell you what you can do about it before the problem becomes too big.

What does refrigerant do?

Refrigerant is the fluid that flows through your AC. It cycles between liquid and gas states to absorb heat from inside your home and release it outside. When working properly, this process creates the cool and comfortable indoor environment you want during warmer months. The refrigerant moves through the evaporator and condenser coils and enables the entire cooling cycle to function as intended.

You need to know that refrigerant is not something your AC runs out of. Your AC is designed to keep the same amount of refrigerant for its entire life. If levels are low, that usually is a sign of a leak. It could be a small leak that has grown over time or a much larger problem that needs immediate attention. Either way, you should reach out to a licensed AC repair company in Westmont, Illinois immediately.

Common signs your AC might be low on refrigerant

If you notice that your home is not cooling as effectively as before, that is usually the first sign of low refrigerant levels. However, low refrigerant can also cause other issues, like ice on your indoor evaporator coils. When there is not enough refrigerant, the coils can get too cold and that can cause condensation to freeze instead of evaporating. This ice can build up and block airflow to make the problem even worse.

You might also hear hissing or bubbling noises coming from your AC. These sounds usually point to a leak in the refrigerant lines. A hissing sound might indicate escaping gas, whereas bubbling usually signals that air has entered the system. If your AC runs longer than usual without properly cooling the home, that is yet another sign that it is running low on refrigerant.

When you are in doubt, it is best to call an experienced AC repair company in Westmont, Illinois. They will be able to test the system’s pressure, check for leaks, and recharge the refrigerant if necessary.

Waiting too long to fix a refrigerant issue is not recommended.

Low refrigerant places extra strain on your AC’s compressor, the component that pressurizes the refrigerant and keeps it moving. Over time, this pressure imbalance can cause the compressor to fail, and replacing a compressor is not exactly cheap.

Timely maintenance can keep your AC running as efficiently as possible. A properly charged system will cool faster, cycle off more reliably, and use less energy, which will consequently lower your electricity bills during peak cooling season. With timely maintenance, you also add more years to the life of your AC.

Looking for an AC Repair Company in Westmont, Illinois?

If you see any signs of your AC being low on refrigerant, or if you are just not sure why your AC is not cooling properly, you shouldn’t wait for the problem to get worse. As a trusted AC repair company in Westmont, Illinois, our team at Hearthstone Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help. Our experienced technicians can diagnose and repair refrigerant issues quickly and effectively. Contact us today at (630) 435-9800 to discuss your needs.