What Happens When Your AC Unit is Low on Freon? - A Comprehensive Guide

Learn what happens when your AC unit is low on freon and how to fix it. Find out what are the signs of low freon levels and how to contact an HVAC technician.

What Happens When Your AC Unit is Low on Freon? - A Comprehensive Guide

When the refrigerant level in your air conditioning unit is insufficient, it can cause a range of problems. The evaporator coil will cool more than it should, resulting in moisture in the pipes freezing. This is a telltale sign that the freon level is too low. When the refrigerant levels are not balanced, the refrigerant can become too cold and impede airflow. Reduced airflow puts a lot of strain on the air conditioner, which can cause the evaporator coil to freeze and cease functioning.

Other causes of low airflow, such as clogged air filters, can also lead to the inner coil freezing. Low refrigerant levels mean low pressure and low temperatures, which can eventually freeze the evaporator coil.

What are the Signs of Low Freon?

The most common sign of low freon is a frozen evaporator coil. This is caused by the refrigerant becoming too cold and restricting airflow. Other signs include:
  • The air conditioner runs continuously without cooling the room.
  • The air conditioner makes strange noises.
  • The air conditioner does not turn on.
How to Fix Low Freon LevelsIf you suspect that your air conditioner has low freon levels, you should contact a professional HVAC technician to inspect and repair your unit.

The technician will check for any leaks in the system and refill the refrigerant if necessary. They may also check for any other issues that could be causing the problem, such as a dirty air filter or blocked vents. It is important to note that refilling the refrigerant is not a permanent solution. If there is a leak in the system, it must be repaired before refilling the refrigerant. Otherwise, you will just be wasting money on refilling the refrigerant again and again.

Conclusion

Low freon levels can cause a number of issues with your air conditioner, including frozen evaporator coils and reduced airflow.

If you suspect that your air conditioner has low freon levels, you should contact a professional HVAC technician to inspect and repair your unit. Refilling the refrigerant is not a permanent solution; any leaks must be repaired before refilling.

Reginald Balogh
Reginald Balogh

Award-winning coffee geek. General food maven. Incurable pop culture expert. Evil analyst. Hardcore food advocate.