How to Identify an AC Refrigerant Leak
Refrigerant is an essential part of an air conditioning system. However, when refrigerant leaks, the AC system can no longer cool effectively or efficiently. Even worse, it can lead to more significant damage to the unit if it’s not addressed. This blog post will share warning signs of a refrigerant leak in need of refrigerant leak repair.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
One of the most common indicators of an AC refrigerant leak is frozen evaporator coils. These coils contain refrigerant and are responsible for absorbing heat from the air inside a home so that it can be transferred outside to cool down the space. When there's a leak, the refrigerant levels drop, reducing the coil's ability to absorb heat. This leads to a build-up of condensation on the coils, which can cause them to freeze.
Not only does a refrigerant leak and frozen coils inhibit the AC's cooling ability, but it can also cause damage to the compressor. When left unchecked and unaddressed, even a small leak can lead to a significant drop in refrigerant and cause damage to the AC system.
The AC Is Not Cooling Properly
If the home’s air conditioner starts blowing warm air or homeowners notice that the cooling system is running longer than usual, these could also be signs of a refrigerant leak. With insufficient refrigerant or coolant, the AC system struggles to remove heat from the air inside the home. This causes inefficient cooling and elevated indoor temperatures.
When the system seems to be running for too long, the AC is working longer and harder to compensate for the loss of refrigerant from the leak, which can increase energy bills. Quickly having a refrigerant leak repaired can help the home stay cool and comfortable and keep cooling costs down.
Unusual Sounds From the System
An often-overlooked symptom of a refrigerant leak is hearing strange or unusual sounds coming from the AC unit. These sounds can include hissing, gurgling, or bubbling noises. Unusual sounds can occur when the refrigerant, under high pressure within the system, escapes through cracks or holes in the coils.
These noises can come from the interior or exterior AC unit, depending on where the refrigerant leak is located. Listening to these unusual sounds can help homeowners identify a refrigerant leak early before it leads to more serious issues that can be more difficult and costly to fix.
About Morrow Mechanical
Morrow Mechanical has more than 20 years of experience serving the Spring area. They offer same-day service, extended hours, and honest pricing. Call them for AC refrigerant leak repair in Spring, TX.
