Inefficient Cooling? Signs You May Have a Refrigerant Leak

Inefficient cooling can be a disaster for homeowners during hot weather. People with health issues like asthma and other respiratory conditions may have worsening symptoms. Learn the signs of a refrigerant leak so you can contact a professional for AC repair before your unit breaks down.

What Is Refrigerant?

Refrigerant is a crucial part of every AC unit, located in the copper coils. It helps absorb heat as air comes into the unit. It then turns into a liquid, and the components in the AC unit blow the hot air outside, which is why air conditioners usually leak a little air into a drain pan.

Once this process is complete, the refrigerant cools back down. It turns back into a gas, and another fan blows air over the cooled down coils, which is how the unit blows cold air into the house. A refrigerant leak disrupts this cooling process, and calls for professional AC repair.

Signs Of A Refrigerant Leak

Owners should watch for several signs that there’s a refrigerant leak. Understanding the signs ensures you can call someone for AC repair before the problem gets worse. Common signs to look for include:

• Inefficiency: A refrigerant leak typically leads to longer cooling cycles. The air conditioner has to stay on longer to cool your house to the same temperature. A leak can also make your unit work harder, leading to higher energy bills.
• Warm Air: Refrigerants play a key role in producing cold air. A leak can result in no refrigerant, frozen coils, or multiple other problems that make the air warm instead of cold. High humidity is another sign that the air isn’t as cold as it used to be.
• Weird Noises: Leaks usually make a few weird noises. Small leaks and holes can cause a hissing sound. Larger leaks may sound like water is dripping or leaking inside the unit.

You should always call a professional for air conditioning repair if you see any of these signs. An air conditioner can completely break down if you use it without refrigerant for too long. This can result in a costly AC replacement.

Dangers of Leaks

Refrigerant leaks can lead to multiple dangers, making it crucial to get them fixed as soon as possible. The air conditioner can malfunction and break down. Professionals usually see a damaged compressor if a leak isn’t addressed.

Some types of refrigerant are environmental hazards. This chemical leaking from an AC unit can damage nearby plants and animals. On a large scale, it can damage the eco-system. This situation is unlikely if one house has an unchecked leak, but it’s possible if every house with a leak ignores it.

An AC unit blowing warm air can be a health hazard, too. People with asthma may suffer from asthma attacks. Mold and mildew are known to grow in hot, humid environments, so you may have to deal with this. Children and the elderly are more prone to heat strokes and rashes during hot weather.

Contact the AC Repair Experts at Bill Frusco Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning!

At Bill Frusco, our professionals specialize in air conditioning repair. They can perform a comprehensive inspection to determine if you have a leak and how to fix it. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.