Is My Heat Pump Low on Refrigerant in Jupiter, FL?

Refrigerant is indispensable to your heat pump’s most basic functions. When the refrigerant is low, the heat pump will struggle to remove the heat from your Jupiter, FL, home. That’s why it’s so important to be on the lookout for the following signs of a heat pump refrigerant leak:

Odd Noises and Smells

These are indirect signs of low refrigerant. As refrigerant flows through your heat pump, you might hear a hissing noise if you have a leak. If air bubbles displace the gas, you may hear bubbling or gurgling sounds in the wake of a refrigerant leak.

Additionally, refrigerant has an unmistakable odor that resembles ether. If you suddenly smell this in the air around you, you can be quite sure that your system has sprung a leak. Since refrigerant is toxic, this should spur you to evacuate your home and call for immediate assistance.

Poor Cooling Performance

Your heat pump needs refrigerant to transfer heat. Without it, you’ll notice warmer air from the vents. This causes it to take longer to cool your home or never reach your set point.

Short-Cycling Heat Pump Has Low Refrigerant

Your heat pump should operate according to a fairly steady rhythm, alternating between periods of operation and rest as the temperatures in your home fluctuate. However, if your system turns off before completing a cycle, it’s an issue called “short cycling.”

This behavior can be extraordinarily damaging, and you should be ready to ask for either repair or maintenance services as soon as you notice it. If refrigerant leaks out of your system, less of it will remain for use during each cycle, making short cycling more likely.

If you suspect that refrigerant has been leaking from your heat pump, we urge you to turn off your system, leave your home and ask for professional help as soon as possible. Call Ranger Air Conditioning to enjoy the finest heat pump and AC services anywhere around Jupiter, FL.

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