Tuning Up Your Air Conditioner: Tips for Optimal Performance

With the Summer heat in Texas our Air conditioners run almost non-stop. The way your HVAC system works to cool down your home is by circulating the air in your house across an evaporator coil which uses refrigerant to absorb the heat, cooling down the air before it is sent back into your living space.

If your refrigerant levels are slightly low your evaporator cannot absorb as much heat and your system doesn’t cool down as efficiently.

For example, a properly installed system that is tuned to manufacturer specifications should cool the air down as it crosses the evaporator coil about 20 degrees. If it’s not tuned correctly it may only be cooling the air down 15-16 degrees. This is a problem you would never realize you have because the air conditioner is still cooling and will still satisfy your thermostat settings. The problem is that it takes longer to do so, which costs you more for electricity and reduces the efficiency of your HVAC system.

One of the main ways we measure this is by a metric called “subcool”. Most manufacturers recommend a subcool of 10. This usually gets us the 20 degree temperature drop. If your system is low 1-2 lbs of refrigerant you may only have a subcool of 7, and a temperature drop of 15-16 degrees. 

Adding in the needed 1-2 lbs to get the subcool back up to 10 is what we mean when we say we need to tune up your system and your refrigerant. This will get your temp drop back up to 20, and reduce the amount of time your system needs to run, restoring your efficiency.

To learn more about how your condenser works, click here.

To learn more about the refrigeration cycle and how refrigerants work, click here.

Whether you need emergency AC service due to a breakdown, or you would simply like maintenance and a system tune-up, give Prestige Air a call at 817-200-7215.

If you experience problems with your heating and cooling, call Prestige Air. Our expert service professionals have the training and experience to keep your HVAC system in tip-top shape all year long. Call (817) 200-7215 to make sure your heating and cooling are ready for the season!

Prestige Air proudly serves Northeast Tarrant County and the Fort Worth, Texas area including Hurst, Euless, Bedford, Colleyville, Grapevine, Southlake, Westlake, Trophy Club, Keller, Watauga, Haltom City, and North Richland Hills. We look forward to serving you and your household!