Commercial HVAC Refrigerant Leak: What should you know?

A commercial HVAC system is comprised of multiple components, some of which are stagnant while some tend to move. The HVAC refrigerant is one such component that helps in efficient cooling of your commercial HVAC units. This refrigerant tends to cycle through your appliance and helps render a cooling effect while passing through the ducts. Given the fact that a refrigerant is what essentially helps your HVAC system, it is important that you get it checked frequently. Get in touch with a local commercial HVAC repair near me to make sure everything works fine.

What is a refrigerant?                              

In simple terms, a refrigerant is the fluid mixture which is used in combination with the heat pump present inside the HVAC unit. Throughout the cycle of refrigeration, the refrigerant tends to transition all the way from a dense liquid to cooling gas that runs through the pipes. Without the presence of this substance, it can be practically impossible for the HVAC systems to cool hot air present inside the room. Services for commercial HVAC repair near me will help you understand the necessities of refrigerant in your HVAC system.

Top Refrigerant Variants

The commonly used refrigerants used in the HVAC system over the course of time include:

  • Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) (Including R12):

This particular variant of refrigerant was known to contribute the most to greenhouses gases. The production for new stocks was banned in the year 1994.

  • Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) (Including R22):

It is comparatively less damaging for the environment as well as the ozone layer. However, the EPA has yet mandated the phase out session for this refrigerant under the 2010 Clean Air Act. R22 shall phase out totally by the year 2020.

  • Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) (Including R134 and R410A):

With no presence of chlorine in this mix, it has been rendered a safer option for environment. It is now being used as a replacement for R22. HVAC units that operate on the R410A tend to cater better quality of air, efficient working, as well as increased comfort. If you plan on getting refrigerant refilled for your HVAC unit, you can seek help from commercial HVAC repair near me.

Top 5 recognizable signs of HVAC Refrigerant Leak

  • Cooling power loss:

Refrigerant plays a crucial role when it comes to the entire cooling process. Essentially, the job of a refrigerant is to absorb the heat coming off from the room and then release it away from the area. If there has been a significant depletion of refrigerant levels, it shall take longer for your commercial space to cool down. This can result in frequented visit to the HVAC system’s thermostat for the adjustment of downward temperature. You can confirm the loss of refrigerant by seeking help from commercial HVAC repair near me.

  • Registers fail to blow cool air:

One section of quick HVAC refrigerant leak analysis includes timely monitoring for the vents or registers. Make sure you check whether the registers have been blowing cool air. If you notice that the air isn’t as cold, you can confirm that your HVAC system is experiencing a refrigerant leak.

  • Hissing sounds from indoor unit:

A leak in the refrigerant is mostly caused due to presence of cracks or holes in the HVAC coil which tends to circulate the said refrigerant. Even though hissing sounds can emerge from various other issues, refrigerant leak is one among them. A bigger leak in the coil might produce a type of gurgling sound. If you cannot differentiate between the sounds, you can ask your local commercial HVAC repair near me to confirm the issue.

  • Frozen Coils:

When the level of refrigerants in the evaporator coils isn’t sufficient, the coil might not absorb the heat adequately. This shall result in condensation atop the coils which eventually lead to freezing. At times, this frozen condensation might start to melt off and drip upon the floor. Even though ice frozen on evaporator coil isn’t as alarming, it can eventually lead to system breakdown. This in turn translates into expensive repairs like compressor replacement done by a service provider for commercial HVAC repair near me.

  • Elevated Electricity Bills:

If the refrigerant of your commercial HVAC system has been leaking, it can lead to elevated electricity bills. How you ask? The uneven cooling will require you to change your thermostat setting every now and then. This in turn requires your HVAC system to work more frantically. Make sure you review your electricity bills for any inconsistency in the usage levels. This can help you detect any issues with the refrigerant.

Refilling might not be the key

You might be tempted for an easy way out which is asking a commercial HVAC repair professional to add in the refrigerant to the system. This is because refilling tends to be cheaper as opposed to repairs. However, this isn’t the actual solution as it can lead to future leaks that worsen with time. To ensure your bills do not pile up, you can take help from expert engineers working with commercial HVAC repair near me.

Bottom Line

It is always advised that you seek help from services that provide professional commercial HVAC repair near me. The expert engineers can help suggest the best protocol to be followed in such instances. Never settle for temporary solutions that will cost you a lot in the long run.

Neglecting your commercial HVAC units can be a costly affair. To ensure that it doesn’t happen, you can contact, Enertia HVAC/R, a licensed service provider for commercial HVAC repair near me. To know more about our HVAC repair service, you can call us at (214) 550-3458. You can also write us at (469) 351-9657. Get in touch with our representatives at enertiallc@gmail.com.

Related posts