How Often Should You Check Your HVAC Refrigerant?

Over 90% of households in the U.S. had air conditioning in 2019, highlighting the importance of a proper HVAC unit in today’s homes. To maintain your HVAC unit, you need to keep track of your refrigerant levels.

So how often should you check your HVAC refrigerant? When do you need to get it replaced? 

That’s what we’re here to look at today. Read on to find out more about when you need to check your HVAC refrigerant levels.

What is HVAC Refrigerant?

A refrigerant is a fluid that’s used to transfer heat from one point to another during a refrigeration cycle. It’s kind of like how your skin feels cool after using shaving cream because it evaporates the heat absorbed in your body.

So in an HVAC unit, your refrigerant absorbs heat from indoors and transfers it all outside. When you turn your HVAC system on during the summer, this is how it cools down your home.

Freon is the most common refrigerant used today. It’s a trading name for the haloalkane gasses used for refrigerants, and their popularity comes from their efficiency in transferring heat from one spot to another.

When Should You Check Your HVAC Refrigerant?

Most people say that HVAC units need to recharge their refrigerant once every two to five years. Depending on the system, that timetable could be longer.

As such, it’s important to check your refrigerant every couple of years or even every year depending on how long you’ve had your unit. If your HVAC system isn’t cooling as well, you definitely need to get it checked. 

Checking your refrigerant levels is a process that shouldn’t be done by any inexperienced hands. Refrigerants are dangerous chemicals that can easily be mishandled. 

Getting your refrigerant levels checked or checking your HVAC for a refrigerant leak should be done by professionals. Make sure you call the best ones for your refrigerant checks. 

How to Know If You Need an HVAC Refrigerant Check

A common sign for when you need an HVAC refrigerant check is if your air conditioner vents aren’t producing cool air. If you feel hot air coming out of the vents, it might be time for a refrigerant check.

Sometimes you notice a dip in your HVAC’s efficiency. When your unit isn’t cooling your home as effectively as before, it might be time to check on your refrigerant levels.

There’s also the issue of overworking your HVAC unit. Older systems may need more energy to cool your home, resulting in higher bills. If you notice your bills are climbing, it could be the refrigerant.

If you see ice on your refrigerant line or if you hear hissing noises, it’s definitely time to get your refrigerant checked. Call a professional right away if you find this to be the case.

Getting Preventative Maintenance for HVAC Units

Your air conditioning unit is heavily reliant on your HVAC refrigerant staying in good shape. Use this guide to help you know when you should get your refrigerant checked.

Are you looking for reliable electric and HVAC services in Tennessee? Contact us today and we’ll get you started on a solution right away!