With temperatures rising in San Marcos, more and more people are having air conditioning units installed at their homes and businesses. This also means more people will require AC repair services San Marcos TX, when their air conditioning isn’t working, including refrigerant leaks.
Refrigerant leaks are dangerous to the environment in your home, and it’s important to repair them quickly. As such, we have created a guide below consisting of the ten most common signs of air conditioner refrigerant leaks, what causes them, and what to do if you think your air conditioning unit might be leaking refrigerant.
If you are keen to learn about these, read on below.
What Is an AC Refrigerant Leak?
Refrigerant basically runs the cooling process of your air conditioner. It mainly absorbs heat from the indoor air and releases it outside, keeping your home comfortable. An AC refrigerant leak happens when this cooling substance escapes from your air conditioning unit due to cracks, holes, or damaged components. As a result, the AC becomes less efficient, often resulting in increased energy costs and diminished cooling performance.
Signs That Your AC Might Have a Refrigerant Leak
Refrigerant leaks can show up in several ways, often affecting the cooling performance of your air conditioner. Here are the most common signs to look for:
Poor Cooling Performance
If your air conditioner is blowing warm air or isn’t cooling your space as effectively, it’s a clear indicator that your refrigerant levels are low. Refrigerant is essential for the cooling process, and when it’s leaking, your AC struggles to perform its job.
Hissing or Bubbling Sounds
A refrigerant leak can create a hissing or bubbling noise as the refrigerant escapes under pressure. If you hear these sounds when your AC is running, it’s likely a sign of a refrigerant leak that needs to be addressed.
Weak Airflow
Low refrigerant levels can also reduce airflow, meaning the air coming from your AC vents may feel weak or insufficient. This happens because the system cannot cool the air effectively, resulting in weaker airflow.
Frozen Coils
When the refrigerant levels drop too low, the evaporator coils can freeze. If you suspect ice or frost on the coils, it’s a strong sign of a refrigerant leak. If left unchecked, this could cause a complete system failure.
Water Leaks
Unexpected water leakage from your AC can occur when the evaporator coils freeze due to low refrigerant. As the coils thaw, condensation forms and drips onto the floor. If this happens regularly, it may indicate a refrigerant leak.
Longer Cooling Cycles
A refrigerant leak makes it harder for your AC to maintain the desired temperature. This means your system will run longer than usual to cool the space, which leads to longer cooling cycles and higher energy consumption.
High Energy Bills
When the refrigerant is low, your air conditioner will get more load to cool your home, resulting in higher electricity usage. If your energy bills have increased despite no significant changes in your habits, a refrigerant leak could be the cause.
No Cool Air
In some cases, refrigerant leaks can deplete the refrigerant entirely, causing your AC to stop producing cool air altogether. If your AC is running but blowing warm air, it’s a strong sign that you may have a refrigerant leak.
Increased Indoor Humidity
An air conditioner also helps reduce humidity indoors. If you feel that your home is more airless than usual, even when the AC is running, it could be because the unit is struggling to cool and dehumidify the air due to a refrigerant leak.
Visible Leaks
Sometimes, you may notice a liquid leaking from your AC. If the liquid looks oily or has a chemical smell, it could be refrigerant. This is a clear sign that your AC needs immediate attention.
What Causes Refrigerant Leaks?
Several factors can contribute to refrigerant leaks. Here are the most common causes:
General Wear and Tear
Over time, the components of your air conditioner, such as seals and gaskets, naturally degrade due to constant use. This wear and tear can cause refrigerant leaks. Regular upkeep from AC repair San Marcos TX, can significantly help extend the life of your AC and prevent leaks from developing.
Poor Installation
Improper installation can lead to refrigerant leaks in new AC units. If the system isn’t installed correctly, refrigerant lines can be damaged or not sealed properly, leading to leaks.
Physical Damage
External factors such as debris from storms or lawn equipment can cause physical damage to your air conditioner. This damage can crack refrigerant lines, resulting in leaks.
Corrosion
Corrosion can occur in the refrigerant lines over time, especially if the AC is exposed to moisture. This weakening of the lines can eventually cause leaks, often requiring repairs or replacement of components.
Manufacturing Defects
In some cases, manufacturing defects may cause refrigerant leaks, even in new units. These defects might include improper sealing or weak points in the system that allow refrigerant to escape.
Why Are Refrigerant Leaks Dangerous?
Refrigerant leaks are not just inconvenient; they can also pose several risks. Here’s why they should be addressed immediately:
Environmental Impact
Older refrigerants can damage the ozone layer and contribute to global warming. Even modern refrigerants, while safer, can still cause environmental harm if they leak into the atmosphere. It’s important to repair refrigerant leaks promptly to prevent environmental damage.
Health Risks
Prolonged exposure to refrigerants can cause health problems such as nausea, dizziness, and headaches. In extreme cases, exposure can result in unconsciousness or more severe health issues. This makes it essential to seek professional help for refrigerant leaks right away.
System Damage
Running your HVAC system with low refrigerant can lead to serious internal damage, particularly to the compressor, which is vital to the cooling process. A faulty AC Compressor Needs Immediate Repair to prevent a complete breakdown or becoming a hazard to the user.
What Should You Do if You Suspect a Refrigerant Leak?
If you find out that your air conditioner has a refrigerant leak, don’t delay. Here’s what you should do:
Turn Off the AC
If you notice any telltale signs of a refrigerant leak, turn off the air conditioner to avoid further damage to the system.
Call AC Repair Services
Contact a licensed technician who specializes in air conditioning repair San Marcos TX, to inspect and repair the refrigerant leak. These professionals have the training and tools to safely handle refrigerant and fix the leak.
Don’t Attempt DIY Repairs
While some AC problems can be fixed by homeowners, refrigerant leaks require specialized knowledge and tools. Attempting to repair the leak yourself could cause further damage or harm from exposure to refrigerants.
Regas Your AC
Once the leak is repaired, your air conditioner will need to be recharged with the precise amount of refrigerant. Only a trained technician should handle this process to ensure it’s done safely and effectively.
Final Thoughts
A refrigerant leak is a threat that requires immediate consideration. It not only affects the performance of your AC but also reduces its life and poses a serious threat to the environment. Here, you need to stay calm and call AC repair services in San Marcos, TX, to get professional help. Never attempt to repair a leaking refrigerant system, as there is a greater risk of damaging the entire system.
To avoid this risk, you need someone who becomes your partner and fixes everything on your terms. Enter Woods Comfort Systems. Your Comfort is our only concern, so our HVAC and plumbing company offers numerous affordable yet dependable solutions to fix your leaking refrigerant. Not only this, our 24/7 available technician can fix any HVAC problem in a minute, making your home cool and comfortable again.
Call us at (512) 549-8033 or book Woods Comfort Systems online to repair your leak and restore full cooling power, before it costs more!