During the 100-degree Texas Panhandle summers, you want a cool and comfortable home. A working air conditioner is a surefire way to do so. However, when your AC isn’t performing as efficiently as it should, one possible culprit is a refrigerant leak. Read on to learn the signs of an AC refrigerant leak, how to check for leaks, what causes them, and how to prevent future issues.
Signs of Refrigerant Leak
Refrigerant is the chemical that absorbs heat and allows the AC to cool your home. It starts as a low-pressure gas inside the copper coils of your air conditioner. Your air conditioner soon moves the refrigerant outside of the coils as a fan blows hot air over them. The refrigerant then turns back into a low-pressure gas as it cools. Another fan then blows air over the cooled coils, sending cold air out into your home.
A leak can lead to decreased performance, higher energy bills, and even long-term damage to your system. Below are the most common symptoms that your AC has sprung a leak.
Longer than normal cooling cycles
When refrigerant levels are low, the system works harder and runs longer cycles to maintain the set temperature. This leads to increased energy consumption and uneven cooling, with certain rooms in your home feeling significantly warmer than others.
Higher energy bills
If you’ve noticed an unexplainable increase in your energy bill, it could be a refrigerant leak in your AC unit. The harder your AC works, the more strain it puts on other components, which can lead to premature wear and tear.
Reduced cooling efficiency
If your AC is working, but your home doesn’t feel as cool as it should, a refrigerant leak might be the cause. Leaking refrigerant causes a decrease in pressure and your AC struggles to absorb and expel heat.
Warm air from vents
If your AC is blowing lukewarm or warm air, it could be a sign that the refrigerant charge is too low for the system to cool appropriately. In extreme cases, this can lead to a complete shutdown from overheating.
Ice formation
When there isn’t enough refrigerant liquid, the evaporator coil can become too cold, leading to ice formation. If you notice ice on the coils or refrigerant lines, a leak could be the cause.
Humidity problems
Low refrigerant levels affect your AC’s ability to dehumidify the air, so if you notice your home is really humid, it could mean a leak. This is especially noticeable during the hot, sweltering months.
Strange noises
A working air conditioner should have a quiet, gentle hum. A refrigerant leak usually produces a hissing or bubbling sound as the refrigerant escapes through small holes or cracks in the system. Ignoring these sounds could lead to a complete loss of refrigerant, rendering your AC useless. Here are a few more noises to listen for as well.
How To Check for Refrigerant Leaks in Your Home AC
If you suspect a refrigerant leak, rather than googling “how to tell if AC is leaking refrigerant,” there are a few ways you can check before calling an HVAC professional to come and fix it.
Visual inspection
Refrigerant leaks often carry oil, leaving noticeable stains, so check for oil stains or residue around the refrigerant lines and connections.
Test with soapy water
Apply a half-and-half mixture of soap and water into a spray bottle and spray the areas where you suspect a leak. If bubbles form, it may indicate a refrigerant leak.
Check for ice build-up
If you notice ice building up on your AC’s evaporator coils or lines, there is probably a leak.
Be careful when checking for a refrigerant leak on your own. Accidentally inhaling refrigerant fumes can cause refrigerant poisoning. Our HVAC technicians are trained and certified to handle air conditioner refrigerants safely.
The Professional Touch
HVAC professionals have expertise in leak detection. Using advanced techniques and tools like electronic leak detectors and leak detector sprays, they can quickly locate the source of the leak.
For almost microscopic leaks, an ultra violet dye may be used to pinpoint the refrigerant leak under UV light. Advanced infrared sensors can detect refrigerant gas in the air. In some cases, leaks are detected with a nitrogen pressurization test — a drop in pressure indicates a leak.
Once they detect the leak, our HVAC technicians will let you know your best options so you can make an informed choice. They can also handle the repairs, providing a long-term solution.
Top Causes of Refrigerant Leaks in AC Units
Understanding what causes refrigerant leaks will help you prevent them in the future. Here are the most common reasons:
- Corrosion of copper coils
- Vibration and wear
- Physical damage
- Poor installation or factory defects
- Normal wear and tear
The easiest way to prevent a refrigerant leak in your AC unit is to schedule yearly routine maintenance checks with an HVAC professional.
What to Do if You Suspect a Refrigerant Leak
If you suspect your AC has a refrigerant leak, it’s essential to act quickly — there are also a few steps to follow.
Step 1: Turn Off Your AC
Running an AC with low refrigerant can cause damage to the compressor or control, leading to costly repairs.
Step 2: Call an HVAC Professional
A certified technician can diagnose the issue, locate the leak, and determine the best course of action.
Step 3: Consider Repair or Replacement
Depending on the severity of the leak and the age of your unit, the technician may recommend repairing it. Small leaks may take a few hours to locate and repair, while more extensive leaks requiring part replacements or multiple fixes can take a full day or more. If the AC unit is more than 15 years old and inefficient, the technician may recommend replacing it.
Step 4: Recharge the System
Once the leak is fixed, the technician will recharge your AC with the correct amount of refrigerant and pressure to restore optimal performance. Using the wrong type or amount of refrigerant or pressure can cause further issues, so always rely on the guidance of a professional. Many refrigerants are also regulated due to environmental concerns.
How Can I Prevent Refrigerant Leaks in the Future?
Preventative maintenance is key to avoiding refrigerant leaks. Clean your unit often and schedule regular maintenance checks with an HVAC professional every year so they catch potential leaks or signs of them early on. Make sure to monitor your AC as it’s running, checking for strange noises and other warning signs like higher energy bills and reduced cooling cycles.
Call Frank’s Repair Plumbing
If you suspect a refrigerant leak, don’t hesitate to call an HVAC professional from Frank’s Repair Plumbing. With more than 70 years of experience servicing the Amarillo area, Frank’s offers no fuss, upfront, honest, around-the-clock service. Get ahead of pesky refrigerant leaks with Frank’s Diamond Club.
Diamond members benefit from perks, including discounted pricing, no after-hours fees, priority scheduling, and a free seasonal HVAC inspection.
