3 Signs of an AC Refrigerant Leak

How To Tell When the Air Conditioner Is Leaking Refrigerant

Of all the possible problems that can occur with an air conditioning system, a refrigerant leak is one of the most serious. Not only will it prevent the AC from working properly, but more importantly, it can be very harmful to the health of everyone in the home and the environment. 

Air conditioner refrigerant is a crucial part of the cooling process, but it also contains toxic chemicals that can cause poisoning and degrade the ozone layer. That's why refrigerant leaks should be dealt with as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, leaks can be hard to detect since AC refrigerant is invisible, tasteless, and odorless. So here are a few common indicators of a refrigerant leak that every homeowner should know!

Ice on the Evaporator Coils

One of the most common signs of a refrigerant leak is if the evaporator coils are frozen. The evaporator coils in the indoor air handler unit are responsible for absorbing heat from the indoor air. If there's not enough refrigerant flowing through the coils, they won't be able to absorb and carry away heat as effectively. As a result, they can get too cold, and the condensation that forms on them can cause them to freeze. As the AC continues to run, a thick layer of ice can form over the coils.

A frozen evaporator coil can occur for a few other reasons (excessive dirt on the coil, a faulty blower, a dirty air filter, etc.). Still, considering how dangerous a refrigerant leak is, it's always best to get this issue diagnosed by a professional if homeowners notice it. One clue that the coils are frozen is if the AC unit leaks water or there's a puddle under the unit from the ice melting.

The Home Isn't Getting Cool Enough

Another possible sign of a refrigerant leak is if the AC isn't cooling properly. Warm air may be coming from the vents, or the AC may run continuously for a very long time. In either case, the correct temperature may only be barely maintained, or it may never reach the desired temperature on the thermostat.

Air conditioning refrigerant's job is to carry heat energy from the evaporator coils to the condenser coils in the outdoor unit, where that energy is released. If there's a refrigerant leak anywhere in the system, that cycle will be hindered, and the AC won't be able to cool as effectively. In many cases, if the AC isn't cooling properly due to a refrigerant leak, homeowners may find that the evaporator coils are also frozen – these issues tend to go hand in hand.

In some cases, the house may seem to stay cool enough, but the HVAC system has to work harder to keep it at the right temperature, which can raise energy bills. So, if homeowners notice unexpected increases in their energy bills, it may indicate a refrigerant leak or some other issue with the AC.

Strange Noises Coming From the AC Unit

Finally, if homeowners notice strange sounds from the indoor air handler, the outdoor condenser unit, or the copper refrigerant lines running between them, it may indicate a leak.

These sounds include hissing, gurgling, or bubbling as the pressurized refrigerant escapes from the lines. Of course, if homeowners notice these, they should resist the urge to investigate further, as ingestion or inhalation of AC refrigerant can be deadly.

There are store-bought refrigerant leak detectors that homeowners can use, but again, diagnosing the issue can be extremely dangerous. So, in general, it's best to call a qualified professional to diagnose the issue and pinpoint its source safely and quickly. 

Refrigerant leaks can occur for various reasons, from corrosion and loose pipe fittings to improper installation and undetected factory defects. So once the leak is found, only a trained pro will be able to repair it correctly to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in the household!

About Albritton Service Co

The award-winning Albritton Service Co has been the go-to resource for all of Ruston's HVAC and electrical service needs since 1982. Their clean, punctual technicians are all licensed, insured, drug-tested, and background-checked for every customer's safety and peace of mind. They offer up-front pricing, 24/7 emergency service, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every job. So there's no one better to call for AC refrigerant leak detection and repair in Ruston, LA!

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