Is Your Air Conditioner Leaking Refrigerant?

How to Spot AC Refrigerant Repair Issues

The one thing most homeowners can agree on is that as long as something is working, it likely won’t get a second thought. Like the air conditioner, a few appliances are subject to this logic. The AC unit is one of the most critical components of indoor comfort, yet it rarely gets attention unless it stops working on a hot summer day. However, homeowners must know a few things to help avoid a disaster. While these units are filled with intricate components and systems, one can quickly leave the system unable to cool, which is refrigerant. This gas is compressed inside the system, giving the air a cool temperature.

However, AC refrigerant can also leak out of the system, preventing it from working. In this article, AC experts share three common warning signals for AC refrigerant leaks that can help homeowners avoid emergencies. 

1. The Coils Are Frozen

As mentioned, air conditioner refrigerant is a compressed gas inside the air conditioner to help cool the air passing through the system. It’s compressed in the evaporator coils. If refrigerant has leaked out of the system or is low, it can hinder the coils' ability to absorb heat, which can cause the system to work harder and eventually lead to freezing over.

Similarly, if the air filter is overly dirty (or the system is running without one, which is a worst-case scenario), much of the dust and debris that make their way into the system will land on the evaporator coil. Once again, this will prevent them from absorbing the heat of the air entering the system and lead them to freeze. 

2. The AC Is Struggling to Cool Your Home

Another common issue when the refrigerant levels are low is fluctuating temperatures. In most cases, a system without refrigerant cannot produce cold air. However, if the air fluctuates throughout the day, it could be a slow leak. 

Additionally, in some cases, the evaporator coils may be frozen. If that’s the case, air temperatures may fluctuate as they thaw. So if they’re entirely frozen, there will be little to no cold air. However, homeowners may get some cooling later in the day. This can also spell disaster on utility costs as the longer the air conditioner takes to cool the home, the more energy it’ll waste. 

Temperature changes are often the easiest signal to detect as they immediately impact indoor home comfort, but homeowners can often track their bills to look for changes, too. 

3. The System Is Making Strange Noises

Finally, noises can often help homeowners detect a refrigerant leak. This can include:

• Hissing: This noise occurs when the refrigerant gas escapes through a small crack or hole in the system. Because of the pressure of the escaping gas, it can make a hissing noise similar to letting air out of a balloon. 
• Gurgling/Bubbling: These sounds are typically caused by air entering the refrigerant line, which should be sealed. When the refrigerant leaks out, air can get in, forming bubbles that travel through the system, creating gurgling sounds.  
• Dripping: When the coils freeze, they accumulate ice, which eventually melts and causes water to drip. This dripping noise is the melting ice hitting different parts of the air conditioning system or the drain pan. 

The important thing for homeowners to remember is that refrigerant leak repair is not a DIY method. 

About Warhold Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning

Warhold Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning is a family-owned and operated company that provides personalized service. With highly qualified and trained technicians, competitive pricing, and a customer satisfaction guarantee, Greenburg, PA, homeowners can trust they’re getting the best service for their home. Contact them today to learn more about your air conditioning repairs and maintenance. 

Contact Information:

Warhold Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning

13610 Lincoln Way
Irwin, PA 15642
United States

Chad Warhold
(724) 382-4844
https://www.warholdmechanicals.com/