How to Tell When the Air Conditioner Is Leaking Refrigerant
Refrigerant is an integral part of any air conditioning system – without it, the process wouldn’t be possible. Air conditioner refrigerant is a chemical compound that can change from a gas to a liquid and back again as its temperature changes and it’s pumped through the AC system.
The AC refrigerant flows through the indoor blower unit’s evaporator coils, absorbing heat from the home’s air. It is then pumped to similar coils in the outdoor condenser unit, where that heat energy is released. This process is repeated continuously until the home reaches the desired temperature.
So if the refrigerant lines or coils spring a leak, the AC won’t function properly. Air conditioning refrigerant is also toxic, so a leak poses a serious health hazard. This article will explain the most common signs of a refrigerant leak so homeowners can stay safe and cool this summer!
The Evaporator Coils Are Frozen
The first sign of a refrigerant leak is if there’s frost or ice on the evaporator coils. Sometimes, the coils may become completely encased in a block of ice. If there’s not enough refrigerant running through the evaporator coils, they can get too cold, and any condensation on them will freeze. As the unit continues to run, more condensation will form, adding layer upon layer of ice until the whole thing is frozen.Frozen evaporator coils generally cause the air conditioner’s performance to suffer in temperature and airflow. If homeowners can access their blower unit, they may be able to remove an access panel and look at the coils directly to see if they're frozen. Another clue is that the evaporator coils are frozen if water leaks from the unit, which occurs as the ice melts between cooling cycles.
The AC Isn’t Cooling the House Properly
An even more common sign that the AC leaks refrigerant is if the house isn’t getting cool enough. When HVAC technicians respond to calls about a malfunctioning AC, one of the first things they’ll do is check the refrigerant levels.If the refrigerant is low or the system is losing pressure due to a leak, the system won’t be very effective at capturing heat from the indoor air and releasing it into the outdoor air (or vice versa, in the case of heat pump systems). That can mean warm air coming out of the vents, cooling cycles that last longer than usual, or the AC running constantly but never achieving the desired temperature.
This can cause the system to run less efficiently, increasing energy bills. So, if homeowners are experiencing these symptoms or notice that their utility bill is higher than it should be, it’s probably time to call a pro for AC repair!
Strange Noises From the AC Unit or Behind the Walls
A refrigerant line leak can also reveal itself through unusual sounds or noises. AC refrigerant runs through pressurized lines, usually copper pipes, so if it begins escaping through a pinhole leak or loose joint, it may make a hissing noise. As the pressure inside the refrigerant lines changes and the air gets into the lines, homeowners may hear a bubbling or gurgling sound.
These sounds may come from the indoor blower, outdoor condenser, or behind the walls, floors, or ceiling where the refrigerant lines run. Air conditioner refrigerant is invisible (in gas form) and odorless, so the signs above are generally the only way to detect it without special equipment. If homeowners suspect a refrigerant leak, they should call their trusted HVAC company as soon as possible to find it and perform refrigerant leak repair!
About Hall's Heating & Air
Hall's Heating & Air has been proudly serving Pampa and the Texas Panhandle for over 40 years. Their punctual, friendly technicians are all licensed, insured, background-checked, and drug-tested for every customer's safety and peace of mind. They offer straightforward up-front pricing, financing, a money-saving maintenance plan, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every job – so don’t hesitate to call Hall for refrigerant leak repair in Pampa, TX!
