Help! - I've heard it said that central air conditioners can lose ...

HOMEOWNER CRIES FOR HELP...

posted: September 8th, 2008 - 2:04pm

QUESTION:
I've heard it said that central air conditioners can lose refrigerant, resulting in less than efficient operation. How can I tell if this is the case? My air conditioner seems to be cooling things off fine, but I wonder if it could be better. Is there a standard temperature goal that should be reached at the evaporator coil location?

ANSWER: The system will not need refrigerant unless there is a leak but the easiest way for you to simply check to see if you have a problem is to take the temperature at your filter and then at a couple of supply grilles you should be looking for a 16 to 20 degree temperature difference any more and you have airflow problems (plugged filters or other airflow obstructions) any less and you have air infiltration or a problem with the refrigerant circuit.