A/C low on refrigerant: what should HVAC technicians do?
Air conditioners: closed-loop systems within a sealed enclosure
Refrigerant gas circulates inside air conditioning systems, and it goes from liquid to gas form depending on the temperature and pressure conditions.
It is thanks to this change of state that this fluid can maintain low temperatures and allow the system to carry out its cooling or heating function (in case we’re talking about heat pumps).
More precisely, the refrigerant gas circulates in a closed-loop system, sealed, and designed not to leak gas, therefore, it should never empty.
When this happens, it can be due to an error during installation or poor maintenance: welding or soldering errors, metal porosity, or internal chemical corrosion can generate leaks. It is essential, in these cases, to detect the leak as soon as possible and, of course, seal it. Only then, it will make sense to recharge the A/C system with refrigerant gas.
HVAC technicians, though, shouldn’t see the recharge as an ordinary maintenance activity or a solution to restore the efficiency of the system because, as already mentioned, well-built air-conditioning systems that get proper maintenance does not need to be recharged.
Low refrigerant charge: here the solution
Given the importance of the maintenance in terms of extending the lifespan of A/C systems and improving their functioning, maintenance activities are considered mandatory and regulated by the Directive 2009/91/EC that in Italy has been implemented by Decree No. 74 of 2013.
Maintenance must be performed by specialized and highly skilled technicians and aims to improve the energy performance of European buildings. Specifically, the directive provides that, with regard to reducing energy consumption and limiting carbon dioxide emissions, Member States shall lay down the necessary measures to establish a regular inspection of air conditioning systems of an effective rated output of more than 12 kW.
The United Kingdom has also implemented the European Directive in the past years and, like Italy, has set fines for those who do not comply with the regulations. More specifically, air conditioning systems must be inspected every 5 years by an energy assessor, or you’ll be fined £300.
Once again, then, maintenance happens to be the key. On the one hand, it is regulated by the law; on the other, it is the only way to switch to more sustainable use of air conditioning systems.
Let’s not forget that the energy efficiency of an air conditioning system depends on excellent manufacturing and installation, as well as on careful, constant, and proper maintenance.
