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We often receive calls from homeowners asking if it’s time to “top off” their AC’s refrigerant. This is a common misconception, and it’s one that can lead to serious—and expensive—problems if not addressed properly.
Let’s clear this up: you do not need to regularly add refrigerant to your air conditioner. If someone tells you otherwise, they either don’t understand how your system works—or worse, they’re trying to sell you something you don’t need. You can trust us for honesty and top quality air conditioning service in Bloomington, IN.
Refrigerant Is Not Fuel—It’s a Heat Transfer Medium
It’s easy to think of refrigerant like gasoline in a car. But in reality, it’s not a consumable fuel. Your air conditioning system doesn’t “use up” refrigerant during operation. Instead, refrigerant cycles through your system in a closed loop, absorbing heat from inside your home and releasing it outside.
As long as the system is sealed properly and there are no leaks, the same refrigerant will continue to do its job year after year. That means if your AC was charged correctly when it was installed, and the system is functioning properly, you should never need to add more refrigerant.
Adding More Refrigerant Can Overcharge the System—and That’s Bad!
Here’s something many homeowners don’t realize: adding refrigerant when it’s not needed can actually harm your AC system. Overcharging your unit can lead to several major problems:
- High pressure within the system, which can damage your compressor
- Reduced cooling efficiency, making your home less comfortable and your energy bills higher
- Complete system failure, if the overcharge goes unchecked
Refrigerant levels must be precise. That’s why a licensed HVAC technician should always measure the refrigerant charge using proper gauges and tools—never guesswork. If your system is already full, adding more can cause far more harm than good.
When You Do Need a Recharge: Signs of a Refrigerant Leak
So when should refrigerant be added? Only if there’s a leak. Leaks can happen over time due to wear and tear, vibration, corrosion, or poor installation. If refrigerant is escaping, your system won’t be able to cool properly—and that’s when it’s time to act. Here are some of the most common signs of a refrigerant leak:
- Your home isn’t staying cool, even though the AC runs constantly
- Warm air is coming from the vents, even when the thermostat is set to cool
- You hear a hissing or bubbling noise from the indoor or outdoor unit
- Ice is forming on the refrigerant lines or the evaporator coil
- Your energy bills are suddenly higher, without an obvious reason
If you notice any of these warning signs, don’t ignore them. Continuing to run your system with low refrigerant can cause permanent damage—especially to the compressor, which is one of the most expensive components to replace.
Trust Edelman’s HVAC Pros
At Edelman, we don’t believe in quick fixes or unnecessary upsells. We believe in doing things right the first time, keeping your home cool and your HVAC system running at peak performance. Don’t believe the myth that refrigerant needs to be “topped off” every year. If your system is low, there’s a reason—and it needs professional attention. Contact Edelman today for reliable AC repair and refrigerant services.
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