Signs Refrigerant Leak Repair Is Needed
Evaporator coils are located in the air conditioner and are essential for the cooling process. They absorb heat from the air in a home and transfer it to the refrigerant, which then carries it to the outdoor unit. Refrigerant is a chemical that absorbs and releases heat easily, making it an ideal substance for use in air conditioners.
However, when there is a refrigerant leak, the system will not be able to cool a home effectively, and other problems can occur. Homeowners should be aware of some common signs of a refrigerant leak so they know when to call for refrigerant leak repair.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
A common cause of frozen evaporator coils is low refrigerant levels. Because an air conditioner unit is a closed system, the refrigerant or coolant doesn’t just run out due to use but instead gets recycled in the system. As such, low refrigerant levels are indicative of a refrigerant leak somewhere in the system.
A refrigerant leak can cause frozen evaporator coils because the refrigerant is necessary to absorb heat from the air in a home and transfer it to the outdoor unit. Without enough refrigerant, the evaporator coils will become too cold and freeze. The evaporator coils can also freeze when they become too dirty, which is why evaporator coil cleaning is an essential part of AC maintenance and tune-ups.
Improper Cooling
Another sign that an air conditioner may be leaking refrigerant is if cool air isn’t coming out of the vents or the cooling cycles are longer than normal, causing energy bills to rise. If the air coming out of the home's vents is warmer than it should be, it may be because a refrigerant leak is disrupting its ability to transfer heat out of the home.
The longer cooling cycles can be due to the air conditioning system having to work harder to compensate for the low refrigerant level by staying on longer. The longer cycles lead to more energy consumption and higher energy bills, which homeowners may also notice to help alert them to the problem.
Strange Sounds
Another way to tell if the air conditioner has a refrigerant leak is if unusual sounds can be heard from the AC unit, such as hissing, buzzing, gurgling, or bubbling noises. These sounds may be heard when there is refrigerant leaking from a crack or holes in the coils.
Ignoring these noises and other signs of a refrigerant leak is not wise, as it can damage the system, and these chemicals are dangerous. So, if homeowners suspect their air conditioners are leaking refrigerant, they should call an HVAC technician to repair the leak and refill the refrigerant safely.
About Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.
Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. has over 20 years of experience serving the Daytona Beach area. They offer prompt and professional service, transparent pricing, and a beneficial membership plan. Call them for AC refrigerant leak repair in Daytona Beach, FL.
