Leaky AC Refrigerant: Signs To Watch Out for, and What To Do

Reliable and efficient air conditioning ensures your home remains comfortable through the hot season. As such, you cannot afford to have your AC fail even for a few hours. And a huge part of maintaining a functional air conditioning system is identifying signs of failure.



Leaky refrigerant is among the issues that may necessitate an emergency AC inspection and repair. The refrigerant is a chemical that absorbs and dissipates heat to give a cooling effect. So, if the refrigerant leaks, your AC will lose efficiency. Discover more signs of leaking refrigerant and what to do.

Hissing Sounds

Cracks or holes in the coils distributing this liquid may cause a hissing sound. The sounds are audible when the AC is running.

Note that the bigger the cracks are, the louder the noises will be, and you may even notice a distinct sound like bubbles. But other issues may cause your ac to produce a hissing sound. For example, too-high compressor pressure, leaky ducts, and a faulty heat pump valve are some of the other issues that might produce a hissing sound.

Therefore, don't automatically assume that leaky refrigerant. Instead, contact a qualified HVAC technician to inspect your unit and determine the cause of the noise.

Frosty Coils

An AC produces cool air by evaporating refrigerant through evaporator coils. When there is a leakage, the refrigerant cannot absorb heat efficiently, which may cause condensation around the coils.

Over time, the condensation will freeze and cause the coils to freeze too. In extreme cases, the condensed moisture may begin to melt and drip on the floor, so watch out for such signs.

However, other problems may cause frozen AC coils. For instance, the amount of air flowing around the coils is restricted when the air filters are clogged. Again, this may cause the coils to get too cold and freeze. In the same way, a malfunctioning thermostat will give the wrong signals to the AC, making it run for too long and freeze.

If you notice frosty coils in your air conditioner, contact a professional HVAC technician to diagnose and repair the issue promptly.

Longer Cooling Cycle

The refrigerant plays a critical role in the cooling cycle of your AC. Therefore, when it leaks, the unit will take longer than usual to match the temperature set on the thermostat.

You may not always notice that the AC lags behind the set temperature. But you can tell when you are stuck in the room for too long with no signs of cooling.

Higher Energy Consumption

As mentioned earlier, refrigerant leaks cause your AC to run longer than usual to meet your desired temperature needs. Consequently, the unit consumes more electricity, so you will notice a sudden spike in your bills.

Remember that dirty filters may also force the ac to work harder and consume more power. If your energy bills have gone up unexpectedly, check the air filter first. If it is clean, call an HVAC technician to inspect your unit. The specialist will determine if the leaky refrigerant is the issue and recommend solutions for repair or replacement if necessary.

Lost Cooling Power

You may notice that the registers no longer blow cold air, meaning you will be stuck in a humid and uncomfortable space.

Above are some telltale signs that your AC refrigerant is leaking. The problem may result from numerous issues, from deterioration to poor installation and loose connections.

Whichever the cause of refrigerant leaks is, don't hesitate to consult an experienced HVAC technician for emergency ac inspection and repair. The professional will quickly identify the problem, recommend appropriate solutions, and restore your unit's cooling power.

You can trust us at Central York Corp for comprehensive ac repairs and maintenance services. We have highly trained technicians, so you can always trust us to deliver quality service. Contact us for a consultation.