Signs of an Air Conditioner Refrigerant Leak
While a leaky air conditioning system may not appear to be a major issue, it can actually be harmful to your health. Inhaling coolant can cause chemical burns, frostbite, dizziness, and in extreme cases, seizures and loss of consciousness. Therefore, it’s crucial to be aware of the signs of an air conditioner refrigerant leak and know how to respond.
1. High Electric Bills
One of the top indicators of a refrigerant leak is a sudden increase in your electric bills. When your AC unit is not functioning properly due to a refrigerant leak, it has to work harder to maintain cool air, resulting in higher energy consumption. To confirm if your air conditioning unit may be leaking refrigerant, compare your recent electric bill with the previous year’s bill for the same month. If you notice a significant inconsistency, it’s time to consider repairing your unit.
2. Longer Cooling Cycles
The refrigerant in your air conditioning system plays a crucial role in absorbing heat from inside your home and releasing it outside. As the refrigerant levels deplete due to a leak, it takes longer for your home to cool down. Consequently, your AC unit will run longer and work harder than usual. If you observe prolonged cooling cycles, it’s a clear indication of a refrigerant leak that needs attention.
3. Water Leaks
In addition to the above signs, water leaks around your indoor unit can also suggest a refrigerant leak. As the refrigerant leaks and the cooling process is compromised, the evaporator coil may freeze and eventually melt, causing water to leak from your AC unit. If you notice water pooling or dripping around your indoor unit, it’s essential to have a professional inspect and repair your air conditioning system.
Refrigerant leaks in air conditioning systems should never be ignored, as they not only impact the performance and efficiency of your unit but also pose health risks. If you suspect a refrigerant leak, it’s best to consult a professional HVAC technician who can accurately diagnose and fix the issue.
Signs of an Air Conditioner Refrigerant Leak
When the refrigerant level in your air conditioning system is too low, it can lead to various issues. One common problem is the loss of pressure, resulting in freezing coils that may overflow the drain pan and cause water leakage when it melts. However, there are other signs that can indicate an HVAC refrigerant leak.
Hissing Noises
If you hear hissing sounds coming from your air conditioning unit, it could be a sign of a refrigerant leak. These noises are usually caused by holes or cracks in the coils that circulate the refrigerant. Larger holes can cause louder, gurgling sounds as the refrigerant leaks.
Bubbles in Evaporator Coils
Refrigerant leaks can sometimes be detected by observing tiny bubbles in the evaporator coils. HVAC technicians often refer to these leaks as “champagne leaks” due to the collection of bubbles. If you notice bubbles in your evaporator coils, it’s likely that there is a refrigerant leak.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
One of the tell-tale signs of an air conditioner refrigerant leak is the formation of ice on the evaporator coils. When the refrigerant levels are insufficient, the coils struggle to absorb heat properly, leading to the freezing of condensation on the coils. It’s crucial to address this issue promptly, as prolonged ice buildup can cause a complete system breakdown and expensive repairs.
Air Conditioner Not Distributing Cold Air
If your AC unit fails to blow cold air, it’s a clear indicator that something is wrong. Check the air coming from the vents in multiple rooms to confirm the issue. If the air is not ice-cold, it’s highly likely that you have an HVAC refrigerant leak that needs to be addressed.
Monitoring and addressing these signs promptly can help prevent further damage to your air conditioning system. If you suspect a refrigerant leak, it’s advisable to contact a professional HVAC technician to diagnose and fix the issue.
Causes of Air Conditioner Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant leaks in air conditioners are a common issue that can go unnoticed until it starts affecting the comfort in your home. Understanding what causes these leaks will help you tackle the problem and restore your HVAC system’s functionality.
Deterioration
HVAC systems consist of various metal components, including copper tube walls within the indoor coil. Over time, these copper tube walls can corrode, resulting in the formation of cracks and holes. As a result, the weakened tube walls lead to refrigerant leaks.
Loose Joints & Connections
The joints and connectors in your cooling unit can gradually loosen and erode due to regular wear and tear. However, fixing loose components in your cooling system is relatively straightforward and can be easily addressed.
Incorrect Installation
When a cooling system is improperly installed, it can lead to refrigerant leaks. While multiple components can contribute to a leak, it usually stems from a part that has been fitted incorrectly, allowing coolant gas or liquid to escape.
If you’re facing a refrigerant leak issue, our team offers air conditioning repair services in Drexel Hill, PA. We have the expertise to help you fix the leak and ensure your HVAC system is back in proper working condition.
The Effects of a Defective Air Conditioning System
While most air conditioning units are thoroughly inspected before leaving the factory, there are instances where faulty units are mistakenly installed in homes. If not identified immediately, this can lead to a range of problems with your cooling system.
Wear and Tear: A Leading Culprit
Over time, the natural aging process and frequent usage can contribute to refrigerant leaks in your air conditioning unit. Continuous operation can cause excessive wear and tear on your cooling system, resulting in the leakage of refrigerant.
Quality Air Conditioning Repair and Installation Services
If you notice that your AC system is leaking refrigerant, simply adding more refrigerant will not solve the issue. It is crucial to contact a qualified technician from WM Henderson to schedule a service for your system. We specialize in professional air conditioning repair and installation services for homes in Pennsylvania.
During the inspection, our skilled technicians will detect and repair any leaks, perform thorough tests to ensure the efficacy of the repair, and then proceed to add the necessary amount of refrigerant. In some cases, if there are multiple leaks, our professionals may recommend replacing your refrigerant coil. Although this may come at a higher cost than repairing individual holes, it guarantees the circulation of cool, non-toxic air throughout your residence.
When it comes to air conditioning repair services in Aston, PA, you can rely on the experienced team at WM Henderson. We also offer a wide range of other HVAC and plumbing services, including water heater repair, sump pump installation, and furnace repair. With over 44 years of experience, our certified technicians have provided exceptional service to cities throughout Pennsylvania. Don’t hesitate to call us at (484) 206-8594 to schedule a service appointment for your leaky air conditioning unit, or you can contact us online.