Does a Heat Pump Use Refrigerant in Saukville, WI?

Does a heat pump use refrigerant, and what should you know about this process? Having the right refrigerant level in the system allows it to perform with maximum energy efficiency. When you need help with cooling and heating services in Saukville, WI, to manage your heat pump’s performance, our technicians can advise you. 



Learn more about refrigerant leak detection and how spotting and fixing these issues can improve heat pump and HVAC system efficiency.

Understanding How Heat Pumps Work in Saukville, WI

Understanding how a heat pump works is the first step in figuring out the importance of the refrigerant. Heat pumps operate through a heat transfer process.

During the refrigerant cycle, the heat pump moves refrigerant gas through the system’s coils. The gas absorbs warm air from one location and moves it to another location, depending on whether it uses its heating or cooling modes.

Even though the term refrigerant might be associated with cooling, this gas performs during both cooling and heating modes in the heat pump.

What Happens When Heat Pumps Are Low on Refrigerant

Does a heat pump use refrigerant in a way that causes it to escape the system? A properly functioning heat pump will not lose refrigerant as it operates. The coils that contain the gas are completely sealed, meaning the gas should not escape.

However, as systems age, cracks may appear in the metal. Seams near valves or connections of sections of the metal coils could give way as the metal ages, allowing tiny amounts of the gas to escape. 

Eventually, the refrigerant level could drop too low, resulting in problems like:

• Poor operational efficiency
• Increased heating and cooling bills
• Damage to the system’s components
• Reduced airflow inside the house

The best way to avoid low levels of refrigerant is to have an HVAC technician inspect the system annually. The technician will measure the levels and determine whether repairs are necessary.

Signs That a Heat Pump’s Refrigerant Level Is Low

Saukville, WI, experiences all four seasons of weather. Residents here need their heat pumps to operate at maximum efficiency all year. When summer temperatures reach the 80s and winter temperatures are in the teens, you want your refrigerant levels to be accurate for the most efficient operation.

Some signs that indicate your refrigerant level may need an adjustment include the following.

Proper Levels of Refrigerant Keep Temperatures Consistent

When heat pumps struggle to reach the desired temperature inside your home, this could indicate problems with low refrigerant levels. 

Because the heat pump uses refrigerant for both heating and cooling modes, you could notice this problem at any time of the year. Have a technician measure the refrigerant levels to determine if they’re too low.

The Evaporator Coils Outside Have Frost on Them

Does a heat pump use refrigerant improperly when you see frost appear on the metal coils? Yes, the appearance of frost on the coils can indicate problems with low refrigerant inside the system.

The gas absorbs heat from the atmosphere. When there isn’t enough gas to do this job, frost can appear on the surface of the metal. 

Heat pumps have a defrost mode. They may go into this mode when the refrigerant level drops to try to reduce the frost buildup.

The System Is Generating Odd Noises

Heat pumps may create gurgling or bubbling noises when the system doesn’t have enough refrigerant. When the gas is low because of a crack in the coils, regular air may enter the system. This air generates bubbling noises and requires immediate repair.

Humidity Levels Are on the Rise

When your home begins to feel uncomfortable because of increasing humidity levels, the refrigerant might be too low. You might only notice this problem during the warmest months because the humidity in Saukville, WI, reaches its highest level during summer.

Let Our Experts Check Your Heat Pump’s Refrigerant Levels as Part of Maintenance in Saukville, WI

Does a heat pump use refrigerant, and should I manage these levels myself? If you believe you need Freon replacement, you should not try to do this work yourself. Our licensed HVAC technicians at Professional Services can measure your refrigerant levels and add more if you need it.



We can also explain the heat pump advantages for homeowners if you’re considering using this technology in your home. To schedule an appointment, contact us today. We serve the entire region of Saukville, WI, including areas near The Bog Golf Course and Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve.