Air Conditioner Refrigerant Leak: Causes and Solutions

Our air conditioners keep us cool, especially during those hot summer months. Unfortunately, they can malfunction, and there's nothing worse than sweating profusely because your AC unit is acting up. 

There can be many reasons why your unit isn't functioning correctly. One issue many homeowners face is an air conditioner refrigerant leak. Refrigerant, or freon, keeps your air conditioner running and your home nice and cool. 

A refrigerant or freon leak can quickly make your home a sweltering nightmare. This blog will explore what causes refrigerant leaks and what you can do to resolve them. Expert AC repair services in Columbia, SC, can prevent leaks before they happen. 

What Exactly Is Refrigerant?

Refrigerant, also known as coolant, is a chemical compound that exists as a gas or liquid. Here's how your HVAC system uses it:

• An air conditioner's compressor squeezes refrigerant molecules and forces them to collide, producing heat
• The refrigerant is then transported to the air conditioner's condenser, removing this heat
• As the condenser extracts the heat, the refrigerant turns from a gas into a liquid
• Finally, this liquid transfers through the evaporator coils, and cool air gets distributed throughout a room or home

An air conditioner refrigerant leak hampers an HVAC system's ability to perform and reduces a home's overall comfort. 

What Can Cause Refrigerant Leaks? 

An AC refrigerant leak can have various causes. We'll explore five of the most common: 

Factory Defects 

While appliances like air conditioners generally undergo a strict vetting process before hitting the shelves, factory defects can still happen. Factory defect causes include: 

• Poor assembly 
• Damaged components 
• Missing components 
• Improper handling (for example, a worker dropping an air conditioner)

Corrosion 

Most HVAC systems feature metal parts and copper tube walls. Over time, copper corrodes, creating holes and cracks. When this occurs, refrigerant can start leaking. 

Improper Installations 

Sometimes homeowners will try to save money by installing an air conditioner themselves or hiring an unlicensed contractor. Unfortunately, this can cause issues. Even if an air conditioner appears correctly installed, ill-fitting parts can cause refrigerant to leak. 

Weakened Connections and Joints 

An AC's connections and joints can start eroding or thinning out. Even with the proper maintenance, this can occur simply because an AC unit is getting older. 

Wear and Tear 

Air conditioners are known for their durability. However, even if you limit an air conditioner's energy use and take good care of it, most units will only last between ten to 15 years. After that, components start to wear out, triggering a leak. 

Signs You Have a Refrigerant Leak 

Regular maintenance sessions with an expert HVAC team are the best way to spot and prevent a refrigerant leak. Besides a refrigerant leak wearing away at your HVAC system and damaging the earth's ozone layer, they can also create health risks. 

We'll explore potential refrigerant leak signs to scrutinize: 

Your Energy Bills Are Skyrocketing 

It's common for your energy bills to skyrocket during summer or winter. Other factors like more people in the home can also cause higher energy bills. However, if you can't explain your higher energy bills easily, you may have a refrigerant leak. 

When your AC unit leaks refrigerant, it must work harder to keep your home cool. Harder work equals higher costs.

You Have a Frozen Evaporator Coil 

A frozen evaporator coil usually indicates you have an air conditioner refrigerant leak. You can check your evaporator coil, which generally sits behind the removable access panel of your indoor unit. Make sure to turn your AC unit off before checking. 

You Have Warm Air Coming From Your Vents 

An air conditioner pumping warm air may indicate a refrigerant leak or another issue. However, check your settings before jumping to the wrong conclusion. 

It's possible you accidentally set your air conditioner to warm your home. Also, an air conditioner set to "auto" instead of "fan" can blow warm air. 

You're Hearing Strange Noises 

Hearing strange noises coming from your vents or directly from your air conditioner should always be a cause for concern. For example, rumbling noises typically mean a part is cracked or broken. 

A hissing noise can signify that you have a refrigerant leak. These hissing noises come from cracks or holes inside your coils. Larger cracks can also produce a bubbling sound. Inspect your outdoor and indoor unit for any possible damage. 

Higher Indoor Humidity 

Your air conditioner not only lowers your home's temperature but can also combat humidity. However, less refrigerant means an air conditioner cannot properly remove hot air and humidity. 

High humidity levels are uncomfortable, especially when trying to sleep. Excessive moisture can also attract pests and mold growth. So, you should inspect your HVAC system whenever high humidity becomes an issue. 

What Should You Do When There's a Refrigerant Leak? 

It's always best to resolve a problem the moment it occurs. However, sometimes a homeowner may not have to resolve an issue with their HVAC system immediately---as long as they still schedule an appointment with a technician. 

That said, it's best to treat refrigerant leaks as emergencies, even if you're only experiencing a higher energy bill. Refrigerant leaking through your vents is a health hazard to you and your family. Inhaling coolant can trigger issues like dizziness and trouble breathing. 

Some homeowners attempt to repair a refrigerant leak themselves. However, doing so can make the problem worse and void your warranty. Instead, you'll want to call Dr. Cool, The Heat & Air Doctor. 

Our team can inspect your HVAC system at the first sign of trouble and determine if you have a refrigerant leak. Then, we can discuss options and provide a quick repair or a complete replacement. 

Take Care of Your HVAC System Today 

At Dr. Cool The Heat & Air Doctor, our technicians can provide your HVAC system with the proper care. Our team can provide cost-effective solutions if you have an air conditioner refrigerant leak or a different problem. 

Learn if you need to have a dedicated AC circuit breaker by calling Dr. Cool, The Heat & Air Doctor, at 803-368-5500!