General HVAC
Refrigerant Charge
The precise amount of refrigerant in your AC or heat pump system — too much or too little reduces efficiency and can damage your equipment.
What Is a Refrigerant Charge?
Refrigerant charge refers to the exact amount of refrigerant circulating in your cooling system. Each system is designed to operate with a specific charge based on the equipment and the length of refrigerant lines. Overcharging (too much refrigerant) causes high head pressure, reduced efficiency, and potential compressor damage. Undercharging (too little, usually from a leak) causes poor cooling, frozen coils, and compressor overheating. Proper charging requires measuring superheat and subcooling, not just pressure readings.
Why It Matters for Your Home
Incorrect refrigerant charge is one of the most common installation and service errors in the HVAC industry. Studies show that up to 70% of residential AC systems have incorrect refrigerant charges. Even a 10% deviation from the proper charge can reduce efficiency by 20%. A technician who only checks pressures without measuring superheat and subcooling may not catch an improper charge.
Want your system checked by a technician who does it right? Call Trademark Tek at 541-500-0663.
Quick Facts
Category
General HVAC
Also Known As
Refrigerant Charge
