5 Signs Your Air Conditioning Has a Refrigerant Leak

A refrigerant leak is one of the most common and serious issues among air conditioning systems. When your system leaks refrigerant, it can create a slew of performance and efficiency problems. Understanding the warning signs of a refrigerant leak is critical to limit the amount of damage that a refrigerant leak may do. Today, we’ll go through the most common signs of a refrigerant leak and why regular maintenance is the best solution!

1. It Takes Longer To Cool the Room

The fundamental function of the refrigerant in the cooling process is to collect heat from within the room and release it outside. When there is a leak, the air conditioner has fewer refrigerants to carry the hot air outside. You’ll notice that it takes longer to cool down the area than before.

2. The Coils Are Frozen Over

If the refrigerant levels flowing through the evaporator coils are inadequate, the coil will not absorb heat effectively. As a result, the moisture on the coils will freeze. Sometimes the frozen condensate melts and drips on the floor. Though the presence of ice may seem unalarming, it can ultimately result in costly repairs, such as a compressor replacement.

3. There’s a Hissing Sound

Punctures or perforations in the refrigerant lines result in a refrigerant leak. When refrigerant seeps through the punctures, it frequently makes a hissing sound. The sound may come from within your room or near the condenser unit, depending on the leak’s location.

4. Unusually High Electric Bills

A refrigerant leak might make your air conditioner work harder than usual. If your power bill has suddenly risen, your air conditioner may have a refrigerant leak. Examine your utility bill for inconsistencies in consumption, particularly when compared to the same period last year.

5. Your AC Unit Is Blasting Warm Air

Lower refrigerant levels in your air conditioner make a significant difference in the coldness of the air that comes out of the machine. When you put your hands in front of a vent and notice that it’s warmer than usual, there might be a leak.

Why Maintenance Checkups Are Essential To Prevent Leaks

It’s easy enough to detect refrigerant leaks in their early stages when you conduct frequent preventive maintenance checks on your system. Any issues found in this inspection are generally the easiest and least expensive to resolve.

Some refrigerant leaks are caused by environmental deterioration or simply a lack of maintenance. We’ve even seen well-kept systems spring leaks. Depending on how many years you’ve had your AC, it may be worth your while to patch up and fix it, or it could be an indication to buy a whole new system.

Conclusion

While the things listed above may indicate a leak in your AC system, they can also be symptoms of other problems. Instead of leaping into assumptions, contact a reliable HVAC service provider in your area.

Even if you aren’t having any issues with your unit, you should still call for a checkup. Regular maintenance saves you money on costly repairs.

If you need air conditioner services in Edmonton and Calgary, you’ve come to the right place! Legacy Heating specializes in HVAC systems for new home construction and installing and replacing AC units, furnaces, air cleaners, humidifiers, thermostats and more! Contact us today for a free quote!