Ruud
Low Refrigerant Charge / Refrigerant Leak
Ruud air conditioner indoor blower runs but air is not cold; outdoor unit fan runs but suction line is not very cold and home does not cool.
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Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
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Possible Causes
Leak at evaporator coil, Leak at service valves on Ruud condenser, Rubbed-out refrigerant line, Leaking braze joint or Schrader core
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Do not attempt to add refrigerant yourself. Handling refrigerant requires EPA certification and specialized tools.
- Step 1 – Check obvious airflow issues: Replace dirty filters and ensure indoor and outdoor coils are clean. Poor airflow can mimic low charge symptoms.
- Step 2 – Feel refrigerant lines: With the system running, the larger insulated suction line should feel cold and sweaty; the smaller liquid line should be warm. If both are near ambient temperature, charge may be low.
- Step 3 – Inspect for oil stains: Look around the Ruud condenser service valves, line set connections, and indoor coil for oily residue, which often indicates a leak.
- Step 4 – Shut system off if icing occurs: If you see ice on the suction line or evaporator coil, turn the system OFF and set thermostat to FAN ON to thaw. Running while frozen can damage the compressor.
- Step 5 – Call a licensed technician: A technician must locate the leak, repair it, evacuate the system, and recharge to Ruud’s specified charge (by weight or subcooling).
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Repair Difficulty
Professional Required
5/5
Required Part
Evaporator Coil
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