If you take a look at your air conditioning unit, you’ll first notice fans and motors. But, the reason your air conditioner can cool the air is something that isn’t seen, it’s the refrigerant inside of it that enables the unit to exchange heat and move the hot air out of your home to the outside. If the refrigerant levels aren’t correct, cooling efficiency will drop, and you’ll be in need of repairs. Don’t attempt this project yourself!

Early Refrigerant

In the pioneering days of air conditioning, refrigerant was made from toxic, flammable gases, like ammonia, propane or ethyl chloride. Fortunately, refrigerant safety has improved tremendously. And, today’s air conditioners use a refrigerant called R-401A which was designed to minimize any impact on the environment.

How It Works

Refrigerant circulates in a closed system around your air conditioner, changing from a gas to a liquid and back to a gas as it cycles heat. With the compressor, the refrigerant is squeezed into a high-pressure gas, which moves to the condenser unit, where heat is released outside.
Your air conditioner’s refrigerant level, known as its “charge” needs to remain consistent throughout the life of the unit. Contrary to popular belief, refrigerant doesn’t get used up. A lower charge is due to a leak that has led to refrigerant escaping.

Don’t Fix a Refrigerant Problem

Unlike certain do-it-yourself air conditioner maintenance tasks, like changing filters, replacing refrigerant is not something you should try. Professional service is necessary to recharge the refrigerant to the optimal level and to seal up leaks.

Do you suspect that your air conditioner may have a refrigerant leak? Don’t be tempted to buy refrigerant and tackle the job yourself. Call Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating. We’re your full-service residential and commercial HVAC service provider in Chandler, AZ. For more than four decades, we’ve been helping Arizonans stay comfortable all year long. Call us today at 480-968-5652.