The air conditioning units at your home or office are complex machines. Numerous components operate in perfect sync to regulate the temperature indoors. Among these parts, the suction line happens to be a key player.
This is a refrigerant pipe running to the evaporator coil from the compressor under low pressure. The function of the suction line is to intake environmental air by sucking it inside. This way, you cherish the pleasant temperature indoors, even on the sultry summer days.
A defect in the suction line can mess up the functioning of your AC. As many households overlook routine maintenance, it’s natural for the AC suction line to sustain damage. Hence, it is recommended to engage in aircon servicing and maintenance regularly by professionals such as https://lkbrothersaircon.
Click on this link to know more about suction lines in your AC. In this article, you will learn the common signs of a damaged suction line in your AC. We have also discussed some common issues with suction lines.
What is a suction line and what does it do?
As you explore the functional mechanism of your AC, you will find that the copper tubing connects the expansion valve, condenser, compressor, and evaporator coil, carrying refrigerant. The refrigerant transforms to gas from liquid and then returns to liquid again during the cycle.
In the process, it picks up heat and releases the same. The suction line of the AC is insulated and large. It transports gas to the compressor from the evaporator. Then the liquid line carries it to the evaporator and expansion valve from the condenser. This line does not have any insulation and is smaller.
The function of suction lines in your AC might seem insignificant. However, these components go a long way in circulating the air. With a properly functional suction line, you can keep energy costs low. Also, these lines maintain proper moisture levels in the interiors. Most importantly, these lines significantly enhance the quality of air that you inhale.
How can you detect damaged suction lines?
In case you have a damaged suction line in your AC, it would affect the flow of vapor. These lines may develop clogs due to various reasons. Sometimes, they might be improperly bent or sized. In case the suction line is not in good shape, the amount of refrigerant that the compressor receives would be inadequate. The entire operating system would be compromised in these situations.
In case there’s an issue with the suction line of your AC, you might encounter various problems. These include:
1. Overheating
Overheating issues in the compressor primarily stem from low suction pressure. This can lead to a high compression ratio. Various factors contribute to low suction pressure. These include:
- Issues in the metering devices
- Wrongly fitted parts
- Drop in pressure
- Blockages in strainers
- Refrigerant loss
If you have faulty metering devices, you won’t be able to monitor the system accurately. It’s imperative to inspect these problems regularly to ensure proper suction pressure
2. Inadequate cooling
The suction line of your AC needs to be properly insulated. In case the line lacks this insulation, you may experience inadequate cooling in your rooms. In the absence of proper insulation, the suction gas temperature rises. It also leads to a rise in the compression load.
As a result, the power consumption of the compressor increases. In the evaporator, the cooling impact decreases significantly as an effect. Therefore, if you notice that your AC has been struggling to keep the interiors cool lately, the problem might lie in the suction line.
3. Frozen supply line
If you find ice on your supply line, it has frozen. A frozen supply line can jeopardize your AC, preventing it from working. Failure to address the issue might also lead to damage to the system. Different issues lead to frozen supply lines, including clogged vents in your AC and refrigerant leaks from the evaporator’s coils.
Also, the coils might accumulate dirt, or the air filters might develop clogs. A failure of the blower fan can also lead to freezing the supply line. This can also happen due to low refrigerant levels and collapsed air ducts.
Regardless of the reason causing your supply line to freeze, you need to get the issue inspected by a reputed HVAC expert.
4. Low amperage
The compressor will receive low amperage if you have a damaged suction line in your AC. In general, this is not a severe issue. However, calling in the experts would be an intelligible move since the low amperage issue points to a possible system failure. In the long run, this problem can rob the compressor of its lifespan.
5. AC stops working
Left ignored, blocked suction lines in your AC can lead to a complete system failure. When the clog in the suction line develops over months, the unit loses its ability to cool your interiors. Along with increased temperature and pressure, the compressor is likely to overheat. At one point, it would stop functioning altogether.
How to fix a damaged suction line?
Fixing a damaged suction line in your AC is not a layman’s task. Therefore, you need to call in the experts. Considering the level of expertise needed to accomplish this task, it would be wise not to try out DIY strategies.
Professional HVAC contractors can diagnose the issue in a quick time and do the needful. In case the problem lies in the suction valve, the restricted movement of the refrigerant might be the reason. A certified professional can identify the problem in the suction line and fix the same at an affordable cost.
Endnote
Well, you must be thinking of a viable way to prevent damage to the suction line of your AC. The best way to prevent such issues is to invest in professional system maintenance. Make sure not to miss out on the scheduled servicing where the experts would administer the necessary care.
With the filters and coils in good shape, your AC should function well. Also, timely maintenance would keep your energy bills manageable. Working with a professional HVAC company, you can ensure the care that your AC deserves.
