Most air conditioning systems use refrigerant to help cool the air that the system circulates through your home. If your AC stops blowing cool air, it could mean a refrigerant leak. Before you try to rectify the situation yourself, it’s important to understand what it is and if DIY is a good idea.
What is Refrigerant?
Refrigerant is a liquid used for a variety of cooling applications, including refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioning. It’s a heat transfer liquid, meaning that it absorbs heat. It starts as a gas and transitions to a liquid. In air conditioning, a fan blows air over coils filled with the liquid. The air cools when circulated over the coils before circulating through your home via your vent system.
Do You Need More Refrigerant?
Most air conditioning equipment is pre-filled with refrigerant by the manufacturer. If your AC stops cooling due to low refrigerant, it’s generally due to a leak. If the level is low, you will need more refrigerant to correct the issue with your AC.
Can You Fill It Yourself?
The answer to the question of whether you can fill the refrigerant yourself is a resounding no. Handling the refrigerant can be dangerous without the right training and equipment. It’s toxic and can cause serious health issues if you have exposure to it. Only a trained and qualified professional should handle this component of your air conditioning system.
If your air conditioner only blows warm air, it could indicate a refrigerant leak. We caution you not to try to fix the issue yourself. Instead, contact H.H. Hovey Heating and Cooling today for professional assistance with your AC issues.
