Most homeowners typically expect their home’s cooling system to work without much hassle, and few worry about their refrigerant levels. However, it’s worth checking those levels if you want to keep your AC operating at peak performance. Steve’s Plumbing & Heating, serving customers in and around Wisconsin Rapids, WI, shares a few reasons why you should keep an eye on your refrigerant levels, as well as how to check them.

Why You Should Watch Your Cooling System’s Refrigerant Levels

At first, low refrigerant levels won’t create too much trouble. You’ll likely notice is your AC is heating up the house instead of cooling it down. This is a warning sign to call a professional to inspect your unit.

If your refrigerant levels get low and you don’t do anything about it, the result could be costly repairs. Low levels of refrigerant actually cause the cooling coil to get too cold, which occurs when frost builds up on them. When the frost thaws, the water can drip onto the AC unit’s furnace and fry the circuit boards. Failure to check your refrigerant from time to time may leave you needing extensive hardware replacement.

How to Check Your Refrigerant

There’s a simple trick you can use that will give you an idea of whether your refrigerant levels are low. First, head out to your AC unit and find the copper lines that run into the condenser. There’s a large, insulated line you’ll want to find. If it’s sweating, that means it’s cooling. This is a good sign you don’t need to worry about your refrigerant. If it’s not or if you’re not sure, call a professional right away.

Delaying repairs to your AC can turn a minor hassle into a major repair job. Don’t wait until things are out of hand. Instead, get in touch with Steve’s Plumbing & Heating. Not only can they inspect your AC unit, but they’ll also make sure your heating system is in good condition. Just call (715) 421-1800, or visit them online for more information.