The air conditioning unit is a must in every home in Houma, LA. Thus, it is important to understand how the air conditioning system works and what to expect in terms of repairs. In this blog, we will cover one of the most essential components of the AC unit: refrigerant fluid lines. Though most air conditioners are built well and last a long time, the need for repairs arises from time to time. But with the help of your local heating and cooling services, those issues can be simple to resolve. Below are a few common issues to expect with your refrigerant fluid lines.
Damaged Suction Lines
Suction lines are a fancy term for refrigerant fluid lines. They carry refrigerant fluids from the evaporator to the compressor. Thanks to this wonderful function, our homes are heated and cooled as needed. But when they are damaged, we will not be as comfortable as we wish. If you feel that the home isn’t as cool as expected, there may be a problem with the suction lines.
Suction lines can also develop leaks and blockages which will reduce the efficiency of your unit significantly. If you notice your electric bill is higher than usual, you may want to contact a heating and cooling services tech to have the problem inspected.
Most issues with refrigerant fluid issues can be prevented with a regular AC maintenance tune-up. Read our blog to learn about the benefits of this service.
Poor Insulation
If the refrigerant fluid lines are poorly insulated, they won’t be able to help cool the home as efficiently. This is because the insulation helps to maintain the temperature of the refrigerant, preventing it from escaping or condensing in the line. To address this issue, most technicians will either repair or replace the insulation to restore the AC’s efficiency.
Insulation is also important for preventing condensation which can form on the outside of refrigerant fluid lines. The accumulation of condensation may lead to early corrosion of the lines and may even contribute to clogs. Thus, it is important to keep them insulated and protected from too much condensation.
Low Refrigerant Fluid Levels
Probably the most common issue addressed by heating and cooling service technicians is low refrigerant fluid levels. Sometimes refrigerant lines develop cracks or holes that cause the fluids to seep out. As a result, you may find puddles of fluids around your unit. This will also cause poor cooling efficiency as well, leading to high bills and faster wear and tear of the entire system. You will need to have this issue checked out by a professional as it can cause a total system failure if it is neglected for too long. Read more about what wears out an AC on our blog.
Excess Refrigerant Fluid Levels
Just like a lack of refrigerant fluid, an excess of it can also lead to problems in your AC unit. The amount of refrigerant fluid in your AC unit must match the manufacturer’s requirements to ensure a properly working system. Normally, excess fluids are the result of subpar services performed by an unqualified technician or a homeowner who chose to do it themselves. Believe it or not, excess fluids can lead to poor cooling performance and the following issues:
- Warm air coming from the vents, which is caused by inadequate flow of refrigerant fluids through the lines.
- Frost on the lines, which is an indication of frozen lines. When this happens, your AC will not be able to function as it was designed.
- Increased energy costs caused by inefficient work of the unit.
If you feel that your AC may have too much of these fluids, you may want to consider contacting a professional for assistance.
Quality Heating and Cooling Services in Houma, LA
Are you in need of AC repair services in your home? If so, contact Doug’s Service Company for the top-rated services in the region. With the help of our technicians, your AC will be restored back to order. Call us today at (985) 497-4075.
