Your heat pump should send cool air into your home all summer, but you might have a refrigerant leak if it doesn’t. Some other signs also indicate low refrigerant levels in your Shelbyville, KY home. Here are a few things that might indicate the presence of a refrigerant leak in your heat pump.
Ice on the Evaporator Coil
When refrigerant is low, ice can form on the evaporator coil. This is because the refrigerant’s job is to absorb heat inside your home and transfer it outside. When the refrigerant is low, it cannot absorb heat, leaving the coil to freeze.
Water on the Floor Next to the Inside Unit
The ambient temperature inside your home will be warm enough to melt the ice on the coil. When it melts, it could overflow the tube that takes the water to the drain pan, the drain pan itself, or both. That’s when you’ll see water seeping out of the heat pump onto the floor.
Extended Cooling Cycles
Your heat pump needs sufficient refrigerant to work properly. Sometimes, if the refrigerant is low, your heat pump will run nearly constantly. This is a sure sign that you have an issue with your equipment unless you own a variable-speed heat pump. These systems are designed to run for extended periods of time since they use the most energy when it’s starting up.
Higher Humidity Inside Your Home
HVAC systems usually remove moisture from the air as a byproduct of cooling your home. That’s why you have a drain pain to collect the condensation. If your refrigerant is low, then the system won’t remove as much moisture from the air, leaving your home muggy.
If signs indicate you have low refrigerant or it’s time for heat pump maintenance, contact us at Elder Heating and Air today. We hold an A+ Rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau.
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