When was the last time that you inspected your AC system’s refrigerant lines?
Even if you regularly inspect the coils, you may overlook the refrigerant lines. Unfortunately, this can lead to problems that inhibit your AC system’s performance.
By inspecting your AC system’s refrigerant lines, you can find and fix problems early so that they don’t cause sky-high temperatures during the summer.
What Are AC System Refrigerant Lines?
AC system refrigerant lines are hollow pipes designed to transport refrigerants between your AC system’s components. Most of them are made of copper.
For your AC system to cool your home, refrigerants must be able to travel from the evaporator coil to the condenser coil and then back to the evaporator coil.
Refrigerant lines are the pipes through which refrigerants – while in either a gas or liquid state – move between these components.
How to Find Your Refrigerant Lines
You can typically find your AC system’s refrigerant around the condenser unit.
There are two refrigerant lines, both of which are connected to the condenser box. There’s a large line and a smaller line. The large line is also known as the suction line.
Regardless, they both run from the evaporator coil, which is found inside of your home, to the condenser box, which is found outside of your home.
Problems to Look for When Inspecting Your AC System’s Refrigerant Lines
You should look for leaks when inspecting your AC system’s refrigerant lines.
A leaking refrigerant line is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. Even if it’s only a pinhole-sized leak, it will cause lower levels of refrigerant within your AC system. And when there’s not enough refrigerant in it, your AC system won’t be able to effectively remove heat from your home’s interior.
Some refrigerant line leaks can’t be seen with the naked eye. If the line carries gas refrigerant, though, you may be able to hear the leak. Leaks involving the gas refrigerant line may produce a hissing sound. This hissing sound is a telltale sign of a leak.
When inspecting your refrigerant lines, make sure they are sweating condensation. Condensation is a concern.
If condensation is building up on a refrigerant line, it means the refrigerant is losing its thermal energy. Condensation is usually the result of insufficient insulation. There should be insulation wrapped around the large line to protect against condensation.
If you are experiencing a problem with your air conditioning or heating call us at 512-336-1431 to schedule an appointment. We’ll be glad to come out and take a look at the issue.
1431-183 A/C & Heating proudly serves Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Leander, Liberty Hill, and North Austin.
