Now is the time of year when people start to put more effort into maintaining their air conditioning systems, in order to make sure that they can withstand the added stress of summer. Preventive professional maintenance, prompt repairs, and the like can ensure that your system is in good shape. We also often get questions about the refrigerant levels in peoples\u2019 air conditioners, and whether they need to be refilled. Let\u2019s take a look at how your air conditioner uses refrigerant, and when you need to refill it.<\/p>\n
The term \u201crefrigerant\u201d is actually a broad one that applies to a number of different heat transfer fluids, all of which have the same general purpose. When your air conditioner is operating, it evaporates refrigerant in order to absorb thermal energy from the air in your home. The refrigerant gas then travels down the refrigerant line to the condenser coil outside, where it is condensed back into a gas. This releases the collected heat out of the home. Air conditioners do not consume refrigerant during operation. Instead, they recycle the fluid back and forth. The initial charge of refrigerant that the air conditioner receives upon installation should be enough to last for its entire lifespan.<\/p>\n
The only time when your air conditioner might need additional refrigerant is if a leak develops in the refrigerant line. Refrigerant leaks drain the air conditioner of refrigerant over time, causing a multitude of problems to develop with the system and eventually leading to a breakdown. If you notice fluid dripping from your air conditioner, or if it doesn\u2019t seem to be putting out as much output as it needs to be, call for repairs right away to limit the damage.<\/p>\n