Your air conditioner is usually hard at work during warm weather. At these times, it may seem sensible that more cooling action would be even better. However, that definitely doesn’t hold true for your AC refrigerant.
An air conditioning system overcharged with refrigerant will likely operate poorly, and it may be at risk of breaking down completely or even exploding.
Here Albert Air, a trusted HVAC repair company, lists some signs that you have an overcharged system. We also share more information on what could possibly happen if there’s too much refrigerant in your AC.
Is Your AC Overcharged With Refrigerant?
Watch out for these signs of excessive refrigerant and call a professional immediately to have your air conditioner inspected.
Frost Layers – Frost is usually a tricky problem because it has two possible causes that are completely opposed to each other. Sometimes a frozen condenser is due to low refrigerant levels, while at other times it’s because of an overcharged system. To be sure, call a professional to take a look at your AC if you notice these signs..
Higher Heat Discharge – If extremely hot air is being discharged from the vents, this could be an indication that the system is producing extra heat inside the unit. This is typically due to overworked motors and overpowered condensing lines. Furthermore, if you notice an increase in heat discharge after a recent maintenance check that included refrigerant charging, you may be dealing with an overfilled system
Squealing from the Compressor – Loud squealing noises can be attributed to the amount of pressure in the air conditioner lines. Refrigerant is a liquid that’s sprayed as a gas through the compressor. When you pump too much of it into the pressurized lines, the chemical is forced through tiny nozzles and spray hoses while it’s still in liquid form. This then creates the squealing noises, and could lead to serious damage to your air conditioner’s moving parts.
Uneven Pressure Levels – To check for uneven pressure levels, it’s best to have a professional conduct AC pressure readings, especially if you don’t have the equipment to do this kind of testing. Calling a professional would also be safer than trying to troubleshoot any issues yourself. It’s an inexpensive air conditioning service that can help you prevent serious AC damage.
Shutting Down Completely – A complete shutdown can happen if your AC is overcharged and the compressors are burnt out. In this case, you won’t be able to switch your AC back on until it’s serviced by a professional.
Rising Energy Bills – If your air conditioner is running efficiently, it will be reflected on your electricity bills. If you notice a sudden and unexplained spike in your energy consumption and suspect that your AC refrigerant has something to do with it, hire a technician to look into the problem. When too much refrigerant is pumped into the lines, the air conditioner tends to convert heat at a higher temperature, exerting more effort while producing less cool air.
What Happens if There’s Too Much Refrigerant in Your Air Conditioner?
Having too much refrigerant in your AC can damage the compressor. This can happen because the excess refrigerant will likely collect inside the compressor and cause subcooling, wherein temperatures are below normal. Furthermore, the extra refrigerant can flood the compressor and damage its mechanical parts. Fixing a compressor is often an expensive job, and it may even require the replacement of the entire system. That said, you want to avoid these things at all costs. Always consult with an expert so that you can be properly equipped with the right solutions.
IF you’ve been searching for “air conditioning repair near me“, you can count on Albert Air to provide excellent service in a timely manner. We cater to both residential and commercial clients, so rest assured that we can handle any job, big or small. Call us at (714) 526-6368 or fill out our contact form to request a free estimate.
