What is a common indicator of low refrigerant in an A/C system?

Reduced cooling performance is a primary indicator of low refrigerant in an A/C system. When the refrigerant levels drop, the system is unable to effectively absorb heat from the indoor air, leading to diminished cooling capabilities. This decrease in performance often manifests as temperatures that are higher than the thermostat setting or longer run times without adequately cooling the space.

While other symptoms like increased noise levels, higher humidity levels, or frequent cycling can be associated with various A/C issues, they are not as directly indicative of low refrigerant specifically. Reduced cooling performance serves as a clear and immediate sign that attention is needed, prompting checks on the refrigerant charge and potential leaks within the system.