Signs of a Problem With Your AC System’s Suction Line

An air conditioning unit installed on the exterior of a home.

Refrigerant is a primary component in a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. Proper pressure and charge ensure that refrigerant cycles efficiently through the compressor and evaporator coil. Blocked or restricted refrigerant lines can affect the efficiency and effectiveness of the entire system. Several signs indicate a problem with refrigerant lines. If you notice a drop in performance in the air conditioning system in your Monroe, NC home or business, a certified HVAC technician must diagnose and correct the problem .

What Is an AC Suction Line?

Refrigerant flows through copper tubing that connects the compressor, the condenser, the expansion valve, and the evaporator coil. As refrigerant cycles through the system, it changes from liquid to gas and back to liquid, picking up and releasing heat as part of the process. The AC suction line carries gas under low pressure from the evaporator to the compressor. It is larger and insulated. The liquid line carries liquid under high pressure from the condenser to the expansion valve and evaporator. It is smaller and uninsulated.

Problems with Suction Lines

If AC suction lines are clogged, improperly sized, bent, or kinked, the flow of vapor will be affected. If the line is compromised, the compressor will not receive an adequate amount of refrigerant, which can affect the entire system. Problems with suction lines include:

  • Overheating.
  • Unit is not cooling.
  • Frost or ice on the line.
  • Low amperage in the compressor.
  • System stops working.

An inexperienced HVAC contractor may diagnose the problem as improperly charged refrigerant. However, the problem with a compromised suction valve is not lack of charge but the restricted movement of refrigerant. An HVAC contractor certified to work with refrigerants has the training and expertise to identify and repair a suction line problem. The technicians at Byrum Heating & A/C Inc. are certified to work with refrigerants.

Contact the Experts at Byrum Heating & A/C Inc.

You want to be sure that the company you hire has the experience and training to do the job properly. The experienced technicians at Byrum Heating & A/C Inc . are NATE-certified in core competencies and specialties, including refrigerants, heat pumps, and multi-stage and variable-stage systems. Our technicians have completed advanced training, demonstrating expertise in load calculation, sizing, installation, maintenance, and repair.

We provide technologically excellent, cost-effective service to build lasting relationships with our clients. If you think the AC suction line of your system may be malfunctioning, call the experts at Byrum Heating & A/C Inc. for professional repair service .

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