During the warmer months in Sherman Oaks, an AC system that runs efficiently is more than just a comfort—it is necessary. Residents rely on their AC units regularly, especially as temperatures rise in early summer. When an air conditioning system is not cooling properly, it can easily cause uncomfortable indoor conditions. One of the most common sources of this kind of trouble is refrigerant issues, which can often go unnoticed until the system starts operating inefficiently.
Refrigerant problems can lead to rising energy bills, poorly cooled rooms, or unexpected breakdowns. Because these issues tend to develop over time, recognizing them early gives homeowners a chance to correct problems before they worsen. Whether it is through unfamiliar noises, longer cooling cycles, or visible ice buildup, knowing what to look for can make a big difference in keeping your system performing the way it should.
Signs of Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant leaks are not always dramatic or immediately obvious. They can affect system performance gradually, causing small changes that are easy to overlook. Catching them early helps reduce wear on other parts of your AC and prevents more expensive problems down the line.
Here are some common signs that could indicate a refrigerant leak in your Sherman Oaks home:
– Hissing or bubbling sounds: These noises can come from small holes or cracks along refrigerant lines. If the AC is running and a hissing sound is noticeable near the outdoor unit or indoor coil, it could be a leak.
– Weaker airflow or warmer air: If the system no longer cools the air the way it used to, even with the thermostat set correctly, it may not have enough refrigerant to cool the evaporator coil properly.
– Unusual increases in energy bills: When refrigerant levels are low, your system runs longer and harder than usual. That often results in higher electricity costs.
– Visible ice on refrigerant lines or the indoor coil: Ice buildup around the system’s lines usually points to poor pressure and a disrupted refrigerant cycle. This can cause the coil to freeze over time.
If any of these signs start appearing, it is a good idea to stop running the AC and get it checked right away. Letting the system continue to operate under low refrigerant conditions not only reduces comfort but can also shorten the equipment’s lifespan.
Insufficient Refrigerant Charge
An insufficient refrigerant charge, meaning the system does not have the correct amount of refrigerant, is another common problem. This often happens when there is a leak or if the refrigerant was not added properly during a prior service. No matter the cause, the results are usually easy to notice once they begin affecting how well the AC performs.
One of the first signs is longer cooling cycles. The system might stay on much longer than usual and still fail to bring the indoor temperature down to a normal level. Bedrooms and living spaces may feel humid or stay warm even after the system has been running for hours. Poor performance like this is often the result of low pressure caused by missing refrigerant.
In some cases, the AC may start blowing lukewarm air through the vents. This does not necessarily mean the thermostat is broken. Often, the system is trying to cool warm air without enough refrigerant to make it happen efficiently, so the air never gets as cold as it should.
Simply topping off refrigerant is not the answer. If there is a leak or another underlying issue, a temporary refill will just lead to the same problem returning. It is better to have the system fully inspected, the problem identified, and refrigerant levels correctly restored by a technician who understands how to service these systems properly.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
Evaporator coils are located inside the indoor part of your AC system and are responsible for absorbing heat from the air. When refrigerant flows through these coils at normal levels, they stay cool enough to do their job. But if there is a refrigerant issue, the coils can eventually freeze, putting the whole system at risk.
Frozen coils do not always start with obvious signs. You might hear that the system is running, but very little air seems to be coming out of the vents. Sometimes, the air stops completely. If you remove the filter or inspect near the indoor unit and notice ice buildup, this could be due to low refrigerant.
This can become a cycle. Low refrigerant prevents heat from transferring properly, which then causes moisture on the coils to freeze. That ice builds up and blocks airflow, making the problem worse. It can even lead to damage inside the system.
If you catch the problem early, you might see small amounts of frost on the copper lines or the coil panel. If it is gone too far, parts of the indoor unit may be covered in ice. Turning off the system and getting a proper diagnosis right away helps prevent damage to the compressor or other components. Letting a frozen coil continue to operate can place heavy strain on the system and result in a full AC breakdown.
Overheating Compressor
When a refrigerant issue is left unresolved, it can eventually lead to compressor problems. The compressor is responsible for circulating refrigerant through your AC system. Without enough refrigerant, the compressor is forced to work harder and longer, which increases the chance of it overheating or even failing completely.
One of the first signs of an overheating compressor is the AC shutting off unexpectedly or tripping the breaker frequently. Some homeowners may also notice a burning smell near the outdoor unit. That is often a red flag that the compressor motor is under too much strain.
Once a compressor begins overheating, it can trigger other parts of the system to break down. If left for too long, a damaged compressor usually requires full replacement, which is one of the most expensive parts of an AC system. That is why identifying refrigerant-related problems early is so important. Something as small as a leak can eventually grow into a system-damaging issue if ignored.
For example, one Sherman Oaks homeowner delayed a service call after noticing their home was taking longer to cool. They figured it was just the older age of the system. By the time a technician inspected it, the compressor had overheated and seized, leading to a full replacement, which could have been avoided with earlier attention.
When to Call Our Professionals
If you see signs of a refrigerant issue—whether ice on the lines, weak cooling, strange noises, or anything else that seems off—it is time to schedule AC maintenance before the issue grows. Waiting until the unit stops working often leads to more expensive repairs and longer downtime.
Our technicians can accurately check your refrigerant levels and inspect the full system, identifying leaks or weak areas that may not be visible right away. Beyond fixing what is clearly wrong, they also test the rest of the system to make sure it is functioning as it should. This prevents repeat problems and helps avoid unexpected breakdowns.
When our professionals show up at a home in Sherman Oaks, homeowners can expect a full evaluation of their AC system. That includes pressure checks, leak detection, temperature readings, and coil inspections. If a repair is needed, it is handled without guesswork or random part replacement. We make sure the issue is fully resolved so the system runs as close as possible to how it was originally designed.
Keeping Your AC in Top Shape
Spotting refrigerant issues early is one of the most effective ways to protect your AC system. Whether it is a small leak, a low refrigerant charge, or a subtle performance issue, these signs usually start small. Catching and fixing them before damage spreads to larger components like compressors can save both time and money.
Maintaining a comfortable home in Sherman Oaks requires more than just setting your thermostat. Regular AC maintenance helps prevent surprise repairs and keeps the system dependable throughout the summer. Refrigerant problems do not resolve on their own—they usually get worse when ignored. Trust professional help to find the root of the problem and keep your AC system working as it should.
If you notice issues with refrigerant or reduced cooling efficiency, it may be time to evaluate your AC system. Just One Call, Inc. is here to help you stay comfortable by offering expert evaluations and repairs. Learn more about AC maintenance in Sherman Oaks and how routine service can keep your unit running reliably throughout the season. For a quick estimate or to book a service visit, please contact us today.