Air conditioning systems rely on refrigerant to remove heat from indoor spaces. The refrigerant flows through the evaporator coils and absorbs heat from the air. It then flows to the condenser coils in the outdoor unit and releases the heat outdoors. If your air conditioner is low on refrigerant due to leaks in the refrigerant line or the coils, it won't cool the home properly. Below are three benefits you are missing out on if your air conditioner has insufficient refrigerant. 

Even Cooling Throughout the Home

The refrigerant facilitates even cooling throughout the home. It absorbs heat from the air and dissipates it outside, allowing the temperatures to drop to the desired level. If your air conditioner is low on refrigerant, there won't be enough fluid in the system to absorb all the heat from the interior spaces. Therefore, the indoor spaces will take longer to cool down.

Most air conditioners can regulate humidity through the evaporator coils. During cooling, the warm air comes into contact with the cold evaporator coils. As the air cools, humidity condenses into water vapor. Thus, if the refrigerant is unable to cool the home, the air will remain warm and humid. As a result, your indoor spaces will feel uncomfortable during the summer.

Reduced Energy Bills

An energy-efficient air conditioner cools the air without consuming too much energy. As the refrigerant flows through the condenser coils, it releases the heat absorbed from the indoor air. The unit cycles on and off at predetermined intervals until the rooms reach the desired temperature. If your AC has inadequate refrigerant, it won't cool the home as well as it should.

This inefficiency causes the unit to cycle for longer, so the refrigerant can remove all the heat from the indoor spaces. The long cooling cycles strain the condenser and force it to work harder, causing the AC to consume more power. When this happens, the compressor may overheat and blow the fuses.

Excellent Performance of Crucial Components

The indoor and outdoor units rely on refrigerant to function correctly. In the air handler, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air and prevents the evaporator coils from freezing. In the condenser, the fluid allows the compressor to run optimally without overheating. Low refrigerant levels can cause the evaporator coils to freeze, reducing the air conditioner's cooling efficiency.

Low refrigerant can also strain the compressor and cause it to overheat. An overheating compressor can damage the fan motor and cause the air conditioner to shut off prematurely. Therefore, you must maintain proper refrigerant levels to support the functions of crucial components in the system.

If your unit is losing refrigerant, call an AC contractor for a professional diagnosis. The technician will repair the leaky line, replace the damaged coils, and recharge the system.

To find out more, reach out to an HVAC contractor near you.