Clogged refrigerant lines are one of the many reasons why you would get online and begin searching for an “air conditioning service near me”. Because these lines play such a big role in the performance and function of the AC, it is essential to recognize when they need repair so that you can get help for them as soon as possible. In this blog, we will briefly review what refrigerant lines are and go some common signs that show they are clogged.
What are Refrigerant Lines?
Refrigerant lines are a set of tubing that are installed throughout the AC unit and are responsible for circulating refrigerant fluid throughout the system. These lines are essential to the function of the AC because they provide the “conditioning” aspect that helps the home achieve cooler or warmer temperatures. When these lines are malfunctioning, the entire AC will malfunction as well. Watch out for these signs of clogged refrigerant lines and if you find them in your AC, be sure to call an “air conditioning service near me” as soon as you can.
Reduced Cooling Performance
Clogged refrigerant lines contribute to poor cooling performance. Because the fluid isn’t flowing as it should, it will not cool the air sufficiently enough. Therefore, you may experience inconsistent temperatures throughout the home. You won’t be as comfortable at home and that is your first sign that something is off with your AC’s refrigerant lines.
Increased Energy Consumption
Poor refrigerant flow brought on by clogs also contributes to an increase in energy consumption. This creates a big and expensive problem. First, you’ll be increasingly uncomfortable at home because the AC won’t be producing those comfortable temperatures you desire. At the same time, the AC will be using up double the energy, leading to extremely high bills. If you don’t want to waste money on bills, it is best you find an “air conditioning service near me” on Google and call them for help.
Ice Buildup on Evaporator Coils
A clog in the refrigerant line causes the fluid to get stuck in one area of the tubing. This will cause that region to freeze up, which will be evident by an accumulation of ice on the coils. That ice buildup isn’t good for the AC for many reasons. First, it causes the compressor to work twice as hard, wearing it out quicker while decreasing its performance.
Warm Air Blowing from the Vents
Refrigerant lines transport refrigerant fluid throughout the system and when it isn’t circulated correctly, it will begin to produce warm air. You will feel that warm air blowing out of the vents, which usually counteracts the desired goal of using an air conditioning unit. If you feel warm air blowing out of your vents when you’re expecting cool temperatures, call “air conditioning services near me” for help.
Hissing or Bubbling Sounds
Clogged refrigerant lines can cause abnormal noises in the refrigeration system. If you hear hissing or bubbling sounds coming from the unit, it may indicate a refrigerant flow issue caused by a clog in the lines. In general, any odd sounds coming from the AC must be investigated thoroughly so that the underlying problem doesn’t grow into an expensive repair.
Frequent System Cycling
A clogged refrigerant line can cause your system to cycle on and off more frequently than normal. The restricted flow of refrigerant can disrupt the system’s pressure balance, leading to frequent cycling as it tries to compensate for the reduced cooling capacity. Additionally, short cycling is also caused by the following types of issues:
- Improperly sized AC unit
- Thermostat malfunctions
- Refrigerant leaks
- Problems with evaporator or condenser coils
- Blocked or closed vents
- High/low pressure levels
- Electrical problems
- System overheating
Regardless of the cause, short cycling must always be taken seriously and investigated by a certified air conditioning repair tech who will repair the issue efficiently.
Air Conditioning Services Near Me
Are you suspecting issues with the refrigerant fluid lines in your AC? If so, call the Air Force today for a prompt and professional turnaround time. Our techs will be there in no time and help you restore the comfort levels at home. Contact Air Force Heating and Air today!