Signs of An AC Refrigerant Leak and Action

Even though we appreciate warm late summer days, most don’t want that heat to seep into our air-conditioned living or working environment. So, are you concerned that your building is not cooling properly? You may have seen warm air or less than typical airflow coming from your system’s registers or heard a hissing sound. Perhaps you’ve seen water on the floor near your HVAC unit or ice accumulating on your evaporator coils. These are all signs of an AC refrigerant leak.

Here’s something you should know about refrigerant and your air conditioner: a decrease in the refrigerant is not a specific aspect of system functioning and most likely indicates an AC refrigerant leak. A correctly operating system circulates and maintains the same amount of refrigerant, unlike oil, which must be filled over time. Let’s look at the signs of an AC refrigerant leak and the likely reasons for that HVAC refrigerant leak, costing you both comfort and money due to higher power costs.

Electric bills that are higher than usual

A refrigerant leak might make your air conditioner work harder than normal. If your utility bill unexpectedly increases, your air conditioner may leak refrigerant. Review your electric bill for unpredictable usage levels, particularly when compared to last year.

Your home is taking longer to cool because your AC is taking longer to run

When an air conditioner’s refrigerant leaks, it loses its capacity to achieve the temperature set on your thermostat in a timely and effective manner. As a result, your air conditioner will operate longer than normal to attain the appropriate temperature. In addition, the part of refrigerants in the cooling process is to collect heat from within your home and release it outside. Therefore, it can take longer to chill your home if your refrigerant levels are low.

Humidity levels in your home have risen.

Your house should be thoroughly dehumidified within 15 minutes with a properly functioning air conditioning system.

The evaporator coil has frozen.

Ice crystals are a sign of a refrigerant leak. It is essential to inspect your evaporator coil (the indoor coil) regularly for new forms. The coils will not absorb heat if inadequate refrigerant level running through the evaporator coils. For that reason, the moisture on the coils will freeze. When your air conditioner quits working, ice melts, and water spills on the floor. While ice on the evaporator coil might not seem alarming, it can cause a system breakdown and result in a costly repair, such as a compressor replacement.

The AC is leaking water

You might not have seen the ice on your coils, but you might have observed water on the floor near your HVAC unit due to the ice melting off your evaporator coils.

The air conditioner is not blowing cold air

Checking the air flowing from your vents is part of your rapid examination of an AC refrigerant leak. If the air isn’t as chilly as it should be, there might be a refrigerant leak in the HVAC system.

Bad airflow

Running out of refrigerant causes your air conditioner to create less cold air.

Hissing Noises

Holes or fractures generally cause hissing sounds in the coils that spread the refrigerant. But, while hissing noises coming from your air conditioner, they might be caused by several issues. For example, suppose your air conditioner’s refrigerant leaks via a reasonably wide hole. In that case, your system may create a louder, gurgling sound.

Bubbles in Evaporator Coils

It is typical for HVAC technicians to refer to refrigerant leaks as “champagne leaks” because the hole leaking fluid may be noticed by a cluster of small bubbles in the evaporator coils.

What do you have to do if you suspect a leak in your air conditioning?

Schedule HVAC maintenance repair if you want to avoid an AC refrigerant leak. Exposure to any leaking fluids can be hazardous to your family’s health, especially if your HVAC unit uses Freon as its refrigerant. Therefore, you must contact a Service First repair professional as soon as you detect an AC refrigerant leak. And ensure proper refrigeration installation because improper installation of a cooling system can also result in leaking refrigerant liquid. The HVAC repairman will evaluate all refrigerant lines for leaks and help you understand your options.