A reliable air conditioner keeps your home cool and lowers humidity levels for greater comfort. When refrigerant leaks occur, air conditioners struggle to cool air effectively and can suffer lasting damage. Recognizing the signs of refrigerant leaks early and scheduling professional repairs will protect your system. O'Brien Heating & Air Conditioning in Drexel Hill, PA, can protect your system with timely repairs to prevent severe damage.
The Importance of Refrigerant in Your Air Conditioner
Refrigerant plays a crucial role in the cooling process. It absorbs heat from inside your home and releases it outside. The process also removes excess moisture from the air. If refrigerant levels drop, your air conditioner will struggle to remove moisture and heat. In severe cases, your air conditioner could blow warm air or freeze.
Operating a cooling system with frozen evaporator coils can lead to severe damage. Even minor refrigerant losses can harm your system, leading to increased repair costs and a reduced lifespan.
Common Signs of Refrigerant Leaks
Identifying a refrigerant leak as soon as possible can protect your air conditioner from damage. Here are some signs to look out for if you suspect a leak.
Reduced Cooling
One of the first things you will notice is a reduction in cooling. You may notice that the air feels warmer and more humid. Rooms will take longer to cool, and the air conditioner could run continuously without reaching the set temperature.
Hissing or Bubbling Noises
Refrigerant leaks can occur through small cracks and holes in coils or lines. As it leaks out of the tiny openings, refrigerant makes a distinctive hissing or bubbling sound. You’ll also hear a gurgling sound as air replaces refrigerant in the lines.
Please do not ignore these sounds, as they may indicate serious problems with your air conditioner. Continuing to operate your AC in this state could result in premature failure, requiring the replacement of your system.
Ice Formation on the Coils
When refrigerant levels drop, the evaporator coil may be unable to absorb sufficient heat, resulting in freezing. A frozen evaporator coil disrupts airflow, reducing the air conditioner’s ability to cool your home. Frozen coils may also cause a gurgling sound because the refrigerant flows irregularly.
Higher Electricity Bills
Air conditioners that struggle to reach your set temperature use more energy. If you suddenly notice higher electricity bills without a jump in outside temperatures, a leak in your refrigerant system could be the cause.
Warm Air From Vents
When refrigerant levels drop too low, your air conditioner loses its ability to cool the air entirely. When this happens, warm air may blow from the vents. This means your air conditioner needs immediate attention. We recommend shutting it off and seeking professional repairs.
Puddles of Water Around the Unit
A refrigerant leak that causes freezing often results in water puddles around your unit when the ice thaws. Water around your air conditioner always warrants a professional investigation to find the cause.
Why Professional Inspections Matter
Refrigerant leaks require specialized knowledge, skills, and experience to diagnose and repair. Our professional inspections diagnose the problem and offer fast solutions to restore your AC’s safe performance.
Our HVAC technicians will check your refrigerant level and pressure during a professional inspection to ensure optimal performance. We will examine the coils and lines for any damage, including cracks.
Our team uses specialized tools to identify leaks efficiently. If your air conditioner leaks, we can repair the damaged area and recharge the system to restore optimal performance.
Preventing Refrigerant Leaks with Professional Maintenance
Routine maintenance plays a significant role in preventing refrigerant leaks and other issues. Our technicians can identify potential problems during maintenance appointments before they become severe. Here are some ways maintenance helps.
Checking for Early Signs of Wear
Regular inspections allow our technicians to catch minor issues, such as worn seals or coil corrosion. We can fix the problem before it causes a refrigerant leak, protecting your air conditioner’s function.
Tightening Connections
System vibrations during regular operation can loosen connections over time, potentially compromising their integrity. Our professionals will tighten the fittings to help reduce the likelihood of leak development.
Cleaning Coils
Dirty coils can contribute to corrosion and system stress, leading to leaks. Regular cleanings help protect your air conditioner’s efficiency.
Testing System Pressure
Our technicians will monitor the pressure levels in your system. Low or fluctuating pressure may indicate a leak.
Risks of Ignoring Refrigerant Leaks
Neglecting a refrigerant leak can lead to serious consequences. Without enough refrigerant, your compressor can overheat and fail. A failed compressor often requires a complete system replacement.
Additionally, unchecked leaks result in higher humidity and temperatures in your home, increasing the risk of mold, mildew, and potential structural damage. Mold and mildew growth can negatively impact indoor air quality and pose a health risk to your family.
The longer you operate an air conditioner with a leak, the more stress it experiences. This shortens the system’s lifespan and raises operational costs. A proactive approach with professional maintenance saves you money. Additionally, it prevents emergency repairs and ensures your family’s comfort and well-being.
Only Professionals Should Handle Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerants are chemicals that require safe handling practices to prevent harm. Federal regulations require that only certified technicians be allowed to handle refrigerant recovery and charging. Attempting to repair a leak or recharge a system without proper certification can result in fines, safety hazards, and further damage to the system.
Our HVAC technicians at O'Brien Heating & Air Conditioning have undergone extensive training to handle refrigerants safely. We comply with all applicable environmental regulations and ensure that we repair the leak and recharge the refrigerant in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines and governmental regulations.
FAQs About Refrigerant Leaks
What Causes Refrigerant Leaks in an AC System?
Multiple factors can lead to refrigerant leaks. Corrosion of metal components in the evaporator coil or refrigerant lines is a common cause of this issue. Over time, the metal weakens and can develop small cracks or holes.
Other causes include manufacturing defects, improper installations, and damage caused by accidents. Routine maintenance helps us find and correct many of these problems, reducing the risk of refrigerant leaks.
Can My AC Still Run with a Refrigerant Leak?
Technically, your air conditioner with a refrigerant leak can continue to operate, but not effectively or efficiently. Its cooling performance will suffer, and it will work much harder to meet temperature setting demands. The added stress can lead to many problems, including the most expensive: compressor failure. Never operate an air conditioner with a known refrigerant leak.
How Often Should I Have My AC Inspected to Prevent Refrigerant Leaks?
Annual professional inspections ensure your air conditioner operates efficiently and help us identify any potential repair issues. During a yearly maintenance appointment, we check your refrigerant levels and perform testing to determine if you have any leaks. We recommend scheduling annual air conditioner maintenance in early spring.
Protect Your Comfort with Expert Care
Your Drexel Hill home needs a working air conditioner to combat summer’s heat. Refrigerant leaks are one of the most serious problems your system can face. Therefore, paying attention to signs like hissing, reduced cooling, and frozen coils is essential. Spotting a refrigerant leak is only the first step; repairing it requires specialized knowledge, proper certifications, and specialized tools and equipment.
At O'Brien Heating & Air Conditioning, we believe your home’s comfort starts with proactive service. We have offered Drexel Hill area residents HVAC services, including installation, AC repair, and maintenance, for 70 years. You never have to worry about hidden surprises, as you will always approve the price before we begin the service. O'Brien Heating & Air Conditioning stands behind our work 100% for your complete satisfaction.
Contact our expert HVAC technicians at O'Brien Heating & Air Conditioning if you suspect a refrigerant leak in Drexel Hill.
