3 Signs Your Heat Pump in Quincy, FL, Is Low on Refrigerant

A refrigerant leak is hazardous to both your heat pump and home. It’s vital to be able to tell when your heat pump is low on this critical substance. Here are three signs that your heat pump in Quincy, FL, has lost some of its refrigerant.

Odd Smells and Noises

Refrigerant has a sweet, ether-like smell that’s similar to that of antifreeze. Also, when refrigerant leaks from your heat pump’s refrigerant lines, you’ll hear hissing and bubbling noises as the all-important gas flows out of your system and air bubbles replace it. These sounds and odors should motivate you to schedule HVAC maintenance and have a trained service technician replace the lost refrigerant.

Short Cycling

Short cycling refers to a system turning on and off before it can complete a proper heating or cooling cycle. Refrigerant shortages can cause this behavior because they limit the amount of heat that your system can transfer in one cycle.

Constant Operation

Paradoxically, a shortage of refrigerant may also sometimes cause your heat pump to never turn off. This happens because losing refrigerant diminishes your heat pump’s ability to transfer heat.

Because of this diminished ability, it has to work harder to achieve the temperature that you’ve programmed into your thermostat. This may ultimately make it operate 24/7.

It can be difficult to predict whether a heat pump that’s low on refrigerant will short cycle or whether it’ll work continuously. If it has dirty air filters that block airflow, it may be more likely to overheat, shifting the balance in favor of short cycling. If the filters are clean, it’ll be more likely to run continuously.

Refrigerant leaks will mess up your heat pump’s ability to keep you comfortable and may also seriously endanger your health. If your heat pump is low on refrigerant, leave your home, call Central Heating Consultants and schedule our air conditioning services immediately.

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