The short answer to this question is, “it shouldn’t have to be.” Your AC system is actually supplied with enough refrigerant upon installation to ideally last throughout its entire lifespan. Yet, our technicians still frequently get questions related to refrigerant. It’s understandable that you would ask, and we’re glad you did! It’s important to understand the role that refrigerant has in your air conditioner, and why it would ever need to be refilled.
Refrigerant Explained
Refrigerant is the fluid that basically enables your air conditioner to function. It serves as a central component of your system, and without it your air conditioner wouldn’t be able to operate. When your AC system is in use, it evaporates the refrigerant to absorb thermal energy from the warm air being circulated through your ducts.
Then, the hot refrigerant gas is sent down the refrigerant line to the outside unit. From there, the gas is condensed back into liquid in order to vent the heat out of your home. The air conditioner is consistently evaporating and condensing refrigerant to siphon heat out of your home and cool it.
Refilling Refrigerant
During your system’s operation, refrigerant is never consumed, and that’s why we said it should never have to be refilled. Rather, it’s recycled back and forth to move thermal energy. So in ideal circumstances, your air conditioning system’s initial refrigerant charge should be capable of lasting the system’s entire life.
The only time this is not the case is when a leak develops along your refrigerant line. If that occurs, then it will slowly drain the system of the fluid in needs to function. If you notice your AC system leaking any fluid, you should call for repairs right away. Otherwise, you don’t have to worry about refilling your system’s refrigerant levels.
For expert air conditioning repairs throughout Allendale, NJ and beyond, contact DB Heating & Cooling, Inc today.