To ensure that your AC is working properly, it is essential to keep an eye on its refrigerant level. But the problem is that most people don’t think about their AC’s refrigerant level unless there is something majorly wrong with the appliance. As the result, they end up spending a large amount on repairs and inefficiency. To avoid such issues, you should know how to check your AC refrigerant level and when to get in touch with a professional for refilling it.
In this post, we will talk about the common signs of an incorrect refrigerant charge and find out how to check your AC refrigerant level. Read on to learn more.
To schedule professional HVAC service in St. Louis and make sure your system is kept in peak operating condition, contact the heating and air conditioning professionals at Galmiche & Sons today.
Common Signs of an Incorrect Refrigerant Charge
Before learning about how to check your AC refrigerant level, it is important to know about the common signs of incorrect refrigerant charges. If your air conditioner is low on refrigerant, there are several signs that you will notice. These include:
- Reduced airflow
- Higher energy bills
- Hot air blowing from the vents of the AC
- Ice formation on the evaporator coils
If you spot any of these signs, make sure to check your AC refrigerant level and contact your HVAC professional immediately.
How to Check Your AC Refrigerant Level: 5 Steps You Should Know About
- Turn off your AC: When learning how to check your AC refrigerant level, the first thing you should do is turn off your AC and let it cool down. This will help you get an accurate refrigerant level reading.
- Locate the service valves: To locate the service valves on your AC unit, look for them on the outside unit of the AC system. These valves can be identified by the larger copper line and they are covered with a cap. All you need to do is remove the cap and access the valves.
- Connect the gauge: Next, connect the gauge to the service valve by screwing it in the right place. You can use this gauge to check the reading of the refrigerant level in your AC system.
- Check the reading on the gauge: Now, to check the pressure reading on the gauge, you have to turn on your AC and wait a few minutes. Remember, the amount of refrigerant is usually expressed in pressure, and the ideal pressure will depend on the AC system you have. So, check your AC manual to figure out the correct range of pressure.
- You can also use a thermometer to check the reading: Alternatively, you can also use a thermometer to check the temperature of the pipe’s surface. If it is anywhere between 50 and 60 degrees, your AC refrigerant level is fine. However, if it is higher or lower, you will have to increase the refrigerant level.
Get in Touch with Galmiche & Sons to Learn More About How to Check Your AC Refrigerant Level in St. Louis
If you have trouble following these steps or need help checking your AC refrigerant level, trust the experts to ensure your AC refrigerant levels are where they should be. In St. Louis and the surrounding areas, the experts at Galmiche & Sons can help.
If you determine that your refrigerant is leaking and needs to be topped off, always remember, you should never try to recharge your AC refrigerant by yourself. It should always be done by a professional and licensed HVAC technician. At Galmiche & Sons, we offer comprehensive AC services and can help you refill your AC refrigerant level and determine the source of any leaks. Get in touch with us to learn more!
