Signs an AC Unit Is Leaking Refrigerant
AC units rely on refrigerant, a fluid used in the refrigeration cycle, to cool a home. Refrigerant takes warm air from a home and releases it outside. The chemical compound circulates through the compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator. Without it, the unit cannot facilitate the gas exchange that makes air conditioning possible. When it leaks, homeowners may notice reduced AC efficiency, higher energy bills, or poor airflow.
A professional HVAC technician can inspect the AC unit to determine the root cause of the issue and repair any leaks that may be present.
The Evaporator Coils Are Frozen
When air conditioner refrigerant leaks, one of the first signs may be a frozen evaporator coil. Ideally, the refrigerant coils should be close to freezing but not frozen. Once ice forms, it will continue to build up and cause more problems within the system. Evaporator coils may freeze when the system is overworked, which could be due to:
- Refrigerant leaks
- Poor airflow
- Dirty evaporator coils
- Dirty filters
- Clogs
- Low fan speed
Frozen coils are pretty easy to spot, but the cause is not always easy to identify, which is why a certified HVAC technician is best equipped to diagnose and repair the issue.
Poor Cooling
Because refrigerant is a crucial part of every step in the air exchange process that removes warm air and allows cool air to flow into a home, a leak can translate to an inefficient cooling system. To test this, try the following:
- Turn the thermostat to a lower temperature
- Listen for strange noises as the AC unit turns on
- Put a hand in front of the vent to check for cold air
If no cold air is flowing through the vents or strange noises occur, then there is an issue with the system. Inefficient cooling can force the system to work harder to achieve the same temperature, leading to an increased energy load. In the short term, this means higher energy bills. Over time, a stressed system can be more prone to breaking down.
Odd Noises
Another key sign that AC refrigerant is leaking can be strange noises coming from the unit. Mechanical issues like misaligned parts or faulty components can cause a banging or whirring sound, but a hissing or gurgling is usually indicative of a refrigerant leak. The noise is the sound of refrigerant escaping from a crack or leak in the coils.
Homeowners can test for leaks along the evaporator coils or refrigerant line by using a refrigerant leak detector, a tool that detects air conditioning refrigerant. Simply turn the tool on, calibrate the sensitivity, and run it along the coils and refrigerant line. You can also check the condenser and compressor since they rely on refrigerant.
The device can help detect precisely where the leak is occurring since it may be too small to detect with the naked eye. If a leak is detected, it’s wise to consult with a certified HVAC technician for further repairs.
About Chad’s AC Direct
Refrigerant leaks are a pain, but fixing them doesn’t have to be done by Chad’s AC Direct, a reliable Montgomery County HVAC technician company. With direct payment methods, trustworthy repair, and quality equipment, homeowners can rest easy whenever an AC or heating problem arises. Call today for personalized, trusted AC service at a great price!
