During the scorching heat of summer, our trusty air conditioners provide much-needed relief, creating a comfortable atmosphere within our homes. However, a small but powerful issue can threaten your home’s cooling system – refrigerant leaks. These elusive leaks may start inconspicuously, but if ignored, they can escalate into significant problems, leaving you sweltering in discomfort.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into the world of AC refrigerant leaks, uncovering the signs that can help you identify them, the underlying causes that make them persist, and the most effective solutions. So, let’s embark on this exploration to unravel the secrets of AC refrigerant leaks and ensure your cooling system operates flawlessly, providing you with the ultimate comfort throughout the hottest summer days.

But first, let’s answer a common question.

What is air conditioning refrigerant?

Let’s get acquainted with the star of the post—AC refrigerant. This key ingredient keeps your home pleasantly cool during hot spells. Refrigerant plays a vital role in your air conditioning system, absorbing heat from the indoor air and then releasing it outside, leaving your home blissfully chilled.

The refrigerant operates in a closed-loop system, transforming from gas to liquid and back again as it absorbs and releases heat, making sure your space stays cozy even when it’s hot and humid outside.

If you’d like a more in-depth look, check out this video for an expanded explanation of how the refrigerant process works.

What are the top signs your air conditioning is leaking refrigerant?

Spotting a refrigerant leak can save you from discomfort and dealing with higher energy bills. These signs can be divided into two categories – performance and visual clues.

Performance signs:

Picture this – your AC should be cooling your home with easy efficiency, but now it’s struggling. This issue may be because of refrigerant issue. Here’s what to look out for:

• Reduced efficiency: Your once trusty AC seems to be having difficulty cooling your home effectively. 
• Higher electric bills: You’ve noticed an unwelcome spike in your energy bills, leaving you scratching your head and your wallet feeling lighter.
• Thermostat temperature trouble: Setting your thermostat to a comfortable level feels like a hit-or-miss game, and your AC can’t seem to nail it consistently.
• Non-stop running: While it’s normal for your AC to work hard during heat waves, if it’s constantly running under normal conditions, it’s time to investigate.

Visual signs:

Let’s take a look at the visual cues that might give away a refrigerant leak:

• Oil stains: Keep an eye out for oil stains around the refrigerant pipes or in the drain water, as they might be telling you that something’s not right.
• Streaks on the condenser coil: If you spot streaks on the outside of your condenser coil, it’s a subtle sign that your AC might be leaking refrigerant.
• Hissing sound: If you happen to hear it, it’s like a leaky faucet but much more urgent. A loud hiss might indicate a rapid refrigerant loss.

What causes refrigerant leaks?

Ah, the big question— what’s causing these bothersome leaks? Let’s break it down:

Wear and tear

Your air conditioner is a workhorse, especially during sweltering summers. All that hard work can lead to parts giving out. During routine housework or landscaping, your coils can get squashed or cut. Even the rubber seals around the service valves can wear down over time, causing leaks.

Pinhole leaks

Now, these are tiny but mighty! The refrigerant circuit in your AC is usually made of copper, and it’s not immune to the effects of naturally occurring formic acid. This pesky acid can eat away at the copper tubes, causing pinhole leaks that can be surprisingly sneaky.

Poor installation

Unfortunately, improper installation of your HVAC equipment can also be a reason behind refrigerant leaks. It’s essential to find an experienced and knowledgeable HVAC contractor. This goes a long way to ensure a proper installation.

What to do if your air conditioning unit is leaking refrigerant?

In this situation, there isn’t much you, as the homeowner, can do. Please don’t attempt to fix AC refrigerant leaks yourself. Refrigerants can be hazardous if handled improperly, so it’s best to call in the professionals.

Contact a professional HVAC technician to detect and fix the leak safely and efficiently. They have the expertise and the right tools to get the job done.

Now, depending on the severity of the leak, the repair solutions may vary:

• Fixing a leaking pipe: This could be a relatively straightforward fix for minor leaks, and a skilled technician can take care of it swiftly.
• Replacing a coil: Unfortunately, if the leak originates from a coil, a patch won’t cut it. The coil must be replaced, which can be more complex and costly.
• Replacing the whole system: In some rare cases, if the refrigerant leak is extensive and your AC unit has seen better days, it might be time to bid farewell to the old and welcome the new.

Looking for help with a leak?

Look no further. We know that refrigerant leaks might start small but can lead to significant AC woes if left unchecked. Be on the lookout for the signs, and remember, when it comes to refrigerant leaks, it’s best to leave it to the pros.

If you want to ensure that your air conditioning works effectively this summer, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help with all your air conditioning needs. We also offer service agreements that make regular checkups cost-effective, allowing you to catch those leaks early.

Don’t leave your comfort to chance this summer. Get in touch with us today to keep your air conditioning working at its best.