Air conditioning systems need a “charge” of refrigerant to generate cool air. In case of a leak, the refrigerant needs to be recharged in just the right amount. In today’s post, Air Quality Heating & Air Conditioning shares a look at the dangers of overcharging refrigerants in HVAC systems.
Just the Right Amount
Refrigerants undergo extreme temperature changes when put under different states of compression. This makes it possible for heat pumps and air conditioners to produce cold air. Unlike fuel, refrigerants aren’t consumable. As long as the air conditioner has the right amount of charge, it will provide cooling as needed. An HVAC system may lose its charge through leaks in the refrigerant line, which will increase the workload on the system. In addition to increased wear and a higher risk of failure, problems like freezing coils may also occur.
Signs of an Overcharged HVAC System
Your air conditioner has to be charged by a certified HVAC technician. An untrained person may assume that the more refrigerant you put in, the more efficient your HVAC system will be. This isn’t a good thing, however; it’s like elevating your HVAC system’s blood pressure, resulting in the following:
Extreme cold — The excess refrigerant in an overcharged HVAC system will collect inside the compressor and cause subcooling, resulting in extremely cold temperatures that can reach sub-zero levels. HVAC systems aren’t designed to handle sub-zero temperatures. This, along with the risk of excess refrigerant flooding into the system’s electronics, can cause extensive damage.
High energy consumption — The elevated pressure exerted by excess refrigerant will throw the cooling cycle out of sync, resulting in increased strain on the HVAC system. This can lead to a sudden spike in energy consumption.
Erratic behavior — The strain caused by the excess refrigerant may cause random shutdowns, as well as squealing noises coming from the outdoor unit.
What Should You Do?
Overcharging can be avoided by having a certified HVAC technician recharge your HVAC system. If your air conditioner or heat pump is exhibiting any of the signs described above, turn it off from the circuit breaker and get in touch with your local HVAC technician. In addition to calculating the correct refrigerant levels and restoring its charge, they’ll also perform repairs depending on how severe the damage overcharging has caused.
Call Air Quality for All Your Air Conditioning Needs
Air Quality Heating & Air Conditioning is your leading provider of HVAC services and a Factory-Authorized Dealer of Carrier heating and cooling systems. Give us a call (408) 662-1533. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in San Jose and the surrounding communities.