A residential HVAC system in Fenton has one job: to keep the family comfortable. If the unit isn’t doing its job and it’s the right size for the home, there may be something wrong. Everyone knows that it’s important to change the filters and keep things clean, but most don’t know that an AC unit may need the occasional recharge. Below are several things for homeowners to know about recharging a residential AC unit.
What’s Involved in a Home AC Recharge?
The term ‘recharge’ is somewhat inaccurate because the process doesn’t involve electricity until the repairs are completed, and the unit is on. The AC uses refrigerant to pull heat from the air; after that, the air goes into the compressor. However, if there’s little to no refrigerant, heat transfer won’t occur. Therefore, a recharge occurs when the system’s refrigerant is refilled. It’s recommended to hire a professional to perform an AC recharge, as it can be dangerous.
Signs That It’s Time for a Recharge
A residential HVAC system in Fenton is designed not to lose its refrigerant; in fact, the refrigerant should outlast the system. If a unit needs a recharge, it has a leak. Signs of a leak requiring a recharge include:
Vents blowing air at room temperature
This is a reliable indicator of the need for a recharge. While a broken thermostat can cause the same symptoms at first, the room will slowly increase in temperature as the system loses refrigerant.
Frozen units-Another sign of a leak is the buildup of ice on the outside of the unit. The refrigerant is a gas that freezes almost everything it may touch, but the pipes in an AC unit are designed to withstand the cold. If there’s a leak, it will be noticeable because everything will have a coating of ice or frost.
Recharge or Replacement
Whenever leaks occur, many people will claim that replacement is cheaper than repair, and it may be true depending on the extent of the problem. Replacing parts, fixing leaks and recharging the system can all add up if there’s a big leak, and in such cases, replacing the system with a more efficient one may be a good idea. However, recharging is a viable option for small leaks that are easily soldered and repaired. Visit Harster Heating & Air Conditioning to learn how to recharge the system and get the cold air flowing again.
