Although we may experience warm late summer days, most would rather not have that warmth invade our air-conditioned living (AC) or workspaces. If you're worried your space isn't cooling off as it should, there may be several signs to watch out for. These signs include warm air or insufficient airflow coming out of your system's registers, a noisy sound, water on the floor by your mini split system unit, or ice forming on your evaporator coils. All of these symptoms point to an AC refrigerant leak.
It's important to know that a decrease in the refrigerant is not a regular part of your system's operation and is likely an indication of an AC refrigerant leak. A properly functioning system circulates and maintains the same amount of refrigerant, unlike oil in a car that needs replenishment over time.
In this article, we'll look deeper into the signs of an AC refrigerant leak and the probable causes of this issue, which can result in reduced comfort and higher electric bills.
Causes of Refrigerant Leaks
Many reasons can lead to refrigerant leaks. Some of the most common ones include:
1) Wear and Tear
Over time, the components of an air conditioner can weaken and deteriorate. This may cause a refrigerant leak in your system if the seals or hoses become damaged. When this happens, the refrigerant can leak out and must be replaced.
2) Poor Installation or Maintenance
Sometimes, a refrigerant leak can be caused by improper installation or maintenance of an air conditioning unit. If the technician does not install it correctly or fails to maintain it, then there is a risk of a refrigerant leak.
3) Physical Damage
A refrigerant leak can also be caused by physical damage to the air conditioning system. This may be due to a storm, vandalism, or any other incident that damages the components.
Symptoms of Refrigerant Leaks
It's essential to be aware of the symptoms of a refrigerant leak so you can address it quickly and safely. These may indicate that your air conditioning unit has a refrigerant leak:
1) Loss of Cooling Power
If your air conditioner is not cooling as well as it used to, this could be a sign of a refrigerant leak. This can happen because the evaporator coil is deprived of the necessary refrigerant, reducing its ability to cool properly.
2) Longer Cooling Cycles
A longer-than-normal cooling cycle is another symptom of a refrigerant leak. Cooling cycles are the heat exchange process as the evaporator coil cools the air. When there is a refrigerant leak, the cooling cycles take longer because it has to work harder to cool the air.
3) High Electric Bills
If you suddenly notice an increase in your electric bills, this could be due to a refrigerant leak. This is because a unit with a refrigerant leak needs more energy to cool the air, resulting in higher bills.
4) Frozen Evaporator Coils
Refrigerant leaks can also cause the evaporator coils to freeze because they cannot absorb heat adequately. You may notice this as a layer of ice on the coils, which you should address quickly.
5) Noise Coming From the Indoor Unit
When there are holes or cracks in the coils that circulate the refrigerant, it can result in an AC refrigerant leak. While a hissing sound could indicate a range of issues, refrigerant leaks are one of them. If the leak is significant, it may create a gurgling noise.
Get Professional AC Repair at Tri-County Heating and Air
It's important to have a professional AC repair technician inspect your unit if you suspect a refrigerant leak. They will be able to diagnose the issue and recommend the necessary repairs. Regular maintenance is also essential to prevent any potential HVAC issues in the future.
At Tri-County Heating and Air, we specialize in AC repair and maintenance. Our team of experienced technicians can diagnose any problems you may have with your system and provide the necessary repairs. Contact us today at 770-735-1994 for more information!
