Product Knowledge
What Is a TXV?
The acronym TXV stands for "thermostatic expansion valve." It's a component of a central air conditioning (AC) system that helps maintain the ideal temperature in your home. The TXV senses the temperature in your air handler, which is the large metal box located in your attic or on your roof. It also senses the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the lines of your AC system. The TXV uses this information to determine how much refrigerant is needed to reach a certain temperature in your air handler.
As the AC compressor is running, it's also compressing refrigerant. The TXV senses the pressure of the refrigerant and adds or removes refrigerant as needed to maintain the desired pressure. This pressure is important because the higher the pressure, the colder the refrigerant will be. The TXV also has a mechanism that opens and closes to control the flow of refrigerant. The TXV is a very important part of your AC system that requires regular inspection and maintenance.
How Does a TXV Work?
The TXV senses the temperature in your air handler and the refrigerant flowing through the lines of your AC system. It uses this information to determine how much refrigerant is needed to reach a certain temperature in your air handler. As the AC compressor is running, it's also compressing refrigerant. The TXV senses the pressure of the refrigerant and adds or removes refrigerant as needed to maintain the desired pressure. This pressure is important because the higher the pressure, the colder the refrigerant will be. The TXV also has a mechanism that opens and closes to control the flow of refrigerant. The TXV is a very important part of your AC system that requires regular inspection and maintenance.
How Often Do I Need to Replace My TXV?
The TXV is a critical component of your central air conditioning system. It controls the flow of refrigerant to your AC unit, which helps maintain the desired temperature in your home. It's important to have your TXV inspected and replaced if it has any signs of damage, wear, or leakage. The TXV should be replaced every 5 to 7 years depending on usage and other factors. It's a good idea to have your TXV inspected and replaced before it reaches the end of its lifespan.
Common signs that it's time to replace your TXV include:
- The AC system is cycling on and off too frequently
- Your energy bills have increased
- There are signs of damage, wear, or corrosion on the TXV
- Your home is not reaching the desired temperature
- You notice an unpleasant or musty odor when the AC is running
Why Is My TXV Leaking?
If you notice a small puddle of refrigerant on the ground near your AC unit, it's a good indication that your TXV is leaking. Refrigerant is a cooling agent that helps your AC system maintain the desired temperature in your home. It's important to have your refrigerant levels checked and topped off if they are low. It's also important to have your TXV replaced if it's leaking. There are many reasons why a TXV may leak, including a faulty O-ring, a loose connection, or a broken diaphragm. It's important to have your TXV inspected by a professional technician to determine the cause of the leak and ensure that it's replaced correctly.
Call Henry's A/C & Heat, LLC at (866) 912-2829 to schedule a service appointment for your TXV.