What to Do If Your Air Conditioner Has a Refrigerant Leak
Any Season HVAC • April 3, 2020
Look for the Signs of a Leak
What are the top signs of an air conditioner refrigerant leak? Refrigerant is a liquid used in AC systems. It pulls heat from the surrounding air and cools your home's interior as it evaporates in the AC unit's evaporator coil. The system pumps the remaining hot gas outside into the outdoor condenser. The condenser then turns the gas back into liquid.
Without an adequate amount of refrigerant, the AC system can't complete this heat-grabbing/cooling evaporation cycle. The most common signs of a refrigerant leak include:
- Slow to cool system. Your home may still cool, but not effectively or efficiently. You may notice that it takes significantly longer for the indoor air to feel cool (in comparison to what you'd typically expect or feel).
- Warmer home interior. When your system does finally start to cool your home, a refrigerant leak may mean it doesn't work as effectively. You may notice a warmer indoor air temperature — even though you continue to set the thermostat lower.
- Complete loss of cooling. Do your vents blow warm air? A complete loss of cooling may indicate a refrigerant leak.
- Frozen coils. Without the ability for the evaporator coils to absorb heat (without enough refrigerant), they can freeze.
- Odd sounds. Hissing or other odd noises could indicate a crack or damage in the line.
Along with these signs, you may also notice a sudden unexplained spike in your electric bills. A slow to cool system or one that blows air may force your system to work harder. This decreases the AC unit's energy efficiency and can lead to higher utility bills.
Contact a Licensed Professional
While slow, limited, or complete lack of cooling are all symptoms of a refrigerant leak, they're also signs of other potential AC problems. If your system has any of these issues, you need the help of a licensed HVAC professional.
Why isn't a potential refrigerant leak a do-it-yourself job? A professional is the right person for this job for many reasons, including:
- Correct diagnosis. Again, the symptoms of a refrigerant leak may mimic other AC issues. A trained, experienced professional can inspect the unit and provide you with the correct diagnosis.
- Refrigerant refill. A low refrigerant level requires a refill. If there isn't a leak, but the unit is low, only a licensed, qualified contractor should top off the system. If your unit uses Freon (R-22), only a Section 608–certified technician can refill it.
- Refrigerant line repair. If there is a leak, you need a qualified technician to repair it correctly. Like with a refill, only Section 608 certified HVAC professionals can repair R-22 refrigerant-containing air conditioners.
- Replacement. An older leaky unit may not warrant a repair. If your unit is inefficient and expensive to repair, the professional can help you to decide whether a replacement is the right option for your family. This could save you time and money in the long-term.
Not only can the professional correctly repair or replace your system, but they can also save you from a potentially serious safety hazard. Exposure to refrigerant gases, such as Freon, can result in serious symptoms such as breathing issues, fluid buildup in your lungs, or organ damage. Mild exposure can result in eye irritation, nausea, headache, dizziness, or vomiting.
Does your AC system's issues match the signs of a refrigerant leak? Contact Any Season Heating & Air Conditioning
for more information.
Learn how smart thermostats boost winter heating efficiency, save energy, and reduce costs while keeping your home warm all season long.
Wondering if your homeowners insurance covers furnace or AC damage? Discover when you can file a claim—and what situations likely aren’t covered.
Learn the top 10 A/C maintenance tips to ensure your air conditioner operates efficiently throughout the summer.
Learn how proper duct sealing keeps your home cooler, saves you money, and improves your air conditioning system’s performance.
Learn helpful tips to keep your home’s air conditioning system running smoothly throughout the summer.
Learn five important facts about the emergency air conditioning repair process to help you make informed decisions.
Learn seven common signs you need to replace your AC unit and how to increase its lifespan.
Learn eight important spring maintenance tips to ensure your HVAC system is fully prepared for the summer heat.
Any Season Heating & Air Conditioning Specializes in Emergency Furnace Repair
What To Expect During Your Furnace Replacement
