A heat pump is common in many homes in Kingsville, TX. One the issues your system might experience is low refrigerant. The problem might not be as serious as you think, but how do you know for sure? Here are five signs that your heat pump is low on refrigerant:
Ice on the Outdoor Unit
Refrigerant helps your heat pump move heat from one place to another. If there isn’t enough refrigerant, the process can’t happen as efficiently, and ice might form on the outdoor unit.
Heat Pump’s Cooling Mode Fails to Turn On
Without enough refrigerant, your heat pump’s cooling mode might not turn on. In fact, it’s one of the first signs that something’s wrong.
Low refrigerant prevents the coils from getting cold enough to produce condensation. As a result, there’s no water for the system to turn into vapor and circulate through your home.
Gurgling Sound
Any weird sound that the heat pump produces is a sign of a problem in the system. One of those sounds is a gurgling noise, often caused by low refrigerant. When the refrigerant is low, the compressor has to work harder, which results in a gurgling sound.
Pooling Liquid
If you check around the heat pump and see a pool of liquid, it’s most likely refrigerant. Call a service technician to take a look because it’s not normal for any type of liquid to be around the unit.
Poor Performance
Heating and cooling depend on the exchange of heat. If there’s insufficient refrigerant, that process can’t happen, and your home won’t get to the temperature you set on the thermostat. As a result, you’ll notice poorer performance from the heat pump, and your energy bills might go up.
Low refrigerant is a serious problem that needs immediate fixing. Reach out to Bodine-Scott Air Conditioning Co. if you notice one of these five signs of a malfunctioning heat pump. Our team will help you determine the problem and find the best solution.
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