Knowledge is power. When you don’t know a lot about your AC unit, you rely on experts to offer sound advice when something goes wrong. But when you know more about how your AC functions and all of the components, you can hold professionals accountable for being honest and aboveboard when working on your unit.

If you need repairs or maintenance for your air conditioning in Nashville, our experts can help. In the meantime, we want to bust a myth about refrigerant that may be costing you money on your annual AC maintenance.

What is Refrigerant?

Refrigerant is a chemical that your AC unit uses to cool air for distribution through your home. Some people think it’s fuel, but that’s not true. No matter what you’ve thought about refrigerant, you may have also believed the myth that it needs to be refilled or topped off at regular intervals. But refrigerant is a substance that renews itself with each cooling cycle.

In fact, the refrigerant that comes with your AC unit when it is first installed is enough to last the lifetime of the unit. Of course, leaks can happen, and then you may really need some help with your refrigerant levels. But aside from that, you don’t have to worry about your refrigerant running out.

Don’t Fall for Refrigerant Refilling

If HVAC professionals are dishonest, they may charge you to “refill” your refrigerant during regular maintenance or a repair job. When your refrigerant is first filled, it’s called a charge. This charge is enough to cool your home in a cooling cycle. After the refrigerant releases above the evaporator coils, it becomes a gas.

When warm air passes over the evaporator coil that the refrigerant gas is in, the air becomes cooled and the heat is trapped and transferred away. After this occurs, the refrigerant travels outside to be condensed back into a liquid so that it can release heat and then evaporated again. This process repeats for each cooling cycle for the life of your unit. No refilling is necessary.

Repairing a Refrigerant Leak

Repairing a leak is a little different. If the refrigerant line is damaged, the liquid can leak out so that there isn’t enough of a charge to cool your home. Repairing the damage and recharging the refrigerant is highly important. If an AC professional says they are filling up your refrigerant, ask questions. It’s important to understand what you’re paying for.

Avoiding Refrigerant Leaks

If you hear hissing or gurgling, call our team right away. A refrigerant leak can damage many components in your HVAC unit – and quickly. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to a potential refrigerant leak.

Comfort is a must, call the experts you trust. Contact Precision Air, Inc today for your HVAC and indoor air quality needs.