Your home’s air conditioning relies on many parts to work smoothly. One of the most important components of your AC unit is the refrigerant, a liquid or gas your unit uses to remove heat from your space and exchange it with colder air.
When working properly, your air conditioner cycles refrigerant indefinitely and the level should never decrease. However, if you notice issues with your AC pressure or home cooling, it could be a sign of an AC refrigerant leak that requires professional repair.
How To Detect a Refrigerant Leak in an AC Unit
Here are a few common warning signs to help you detect refrigerant leaks in your air conditioner.
Hissing or bubbling sounds
Refrigerant runs through the coils of your air conditioner. If these coils become cracked or damaged, they make a hissing sound (or a bubbling sound for large damage) when the system is running. This is one of the most telltale signs of a refrigerant leak in an AC unit.
Poor cooling
If the air coming from your HVAC vents isn’t as cold as it should be, it may be a sign of leaking refrigerant in the system. When refrigerant levels get too low, it takes much longer to cool your home. If you notice this issue, make sure the filters are clean to confirm they’re not the problem.
Increased electric bills
Your AC has to run harder and longer when the refrigerant is low. If you notice an increase in your utility bills, contact an AC repair pro to inspect the system and determine if a refrigerant leak is the cause.
High humidity
Air conditioners not only remove heat from inside the home, but also humidity. If your unit is leaking refrigerant, it won’t remove moisture from the air effectively, causing high humidity and potentially leading to mold and mildew growth.
Exhaust odor
Refrigerant is a chemical substance with a unique, exhaust-like scent. If you have a major leak, you’ll smell refrigerant escaping your air conditioner. These fumes are hazardous — if you notice exhaust odors coming from your AC, turn off the unit immediately and contact a professional.
Frozen coils
When there isn’t enough refrigerant to absorb all the hot air your air conditioner removes, it can lead to condensation buildup on the coils, which then freeze. This may lead to a system breakdown if left unchecked.
What Causes AC Refrigerant Leaks?
Your AC might begin leaking refrigerant for a few different reasons.
Formicary corrosion
Formicary corrosion occurs when airborne contaminants settle on your air conditioner’s coils. These contaminants mix with the water to create formic acid, which slowly eats through the metal of the coils over time. It takes years for this kind of corrosion to cause a leak and requires extensive repairs if left unchecked. Modern units with corrosion-resistant, aluminum coils make formic acid less of a concern.
Wear and tear
Your AC gets worn out over time. Connections become weakened, seals degrade and give way, and refrigerant might begin to leak. It’s important to get regular AC tune-ups to catch any signs of wear early on. If your unit is more than 15 years old, it might be time to think about replacing it.
Mechanical vibrations
Your air conditioner naturally vibrates due to its compressor motor. Over time, these vibrations can lead to leaks if not addressed. If your connections were soldered rather than brazed, it’s likely you’ll eventually get a leak because solder joints don’t withstand vibrations well. If the copper lines are close enough to touch, the vibrations may eventually cause them to wear down, leading to troublesome refrigerant leaks.
Factory defects
Sometimes, a defective air conditioner makes it out of the factory and into a home. If your new AC is losing refrigerant shortly after being installed, it’s often a sign of a factory defect, such as a weak joint in the assembly.
Coil damage
The condenser coils of your AC are outside, making them susceptible to damage. Depending on location, they could be struck by debris during a storm, damaged by years of rainfall, or even clipped by a lawnmower. This can easily cause a refrigerant leak.
Improper installation
Quality AC installation by an HVAC professional is important. Subpar installation may cause improper connections, leading to leaks within a few years of buying a new unit.
Is It Safe To Run Your AC With a Refrigerant Leak?
Running an air conditioner with a refrigerant leak comes with a few risks, including:
- Potential health risks from breathing in refrigerant.
- Increased air pollution from your air conditioner.
- Compromised cooling efficiency, leading to higher electric bills.
- Reduced cooling ability in the home.
- Compressor overheating, leading to severe AC damage.
You shouldn’t continue to use an air conditioner with a known refrigerant leak. You run the risk of damage to your air conditioner’s components and your family’s health and safety.
Phasing Out R-22 Refrigerant
R-22 is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerant which was commonly used as an AC coolant. However, it was found that R-22 and other HCFCs deplete the Earth’s ozone layer, contributing to climate change. To protect the environment, the US has been phasing out HCFCs like R-22 for the past 15 years.
The EPA has banned the manufacture of new equipment that contains R-22. As of 2020, R-22 is no longer produced or imported. Now, only recovered, recycled, or reclaimed supplies of R-22 are available.
Fortunately, many other refrigerant options are available that offer R-22’s cooling benefits without the environmental impact. The most common alternative for air conditioners is R-410A, a non-ozone-depleting HFC coolant.
How To Prevent Refrigerant Leaks
How do you avoid an AC refrigerant leak? The best way is through prevention. Annual AC tune-ups help to identify potential problems early on and keep your AC running smoothly when you need it most.
Be proactive and join Ricky Heath’s maintenance membership program. You’ll receive priority service appointments and regular safety checks, giving you peace of mind that your air conditioner will keep you cool during the hot Georgia summers.
Contact Ricky Heath for Refrigerant Leak Repair
If you think your AC is leaking refrigerant, don’t delay. Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling is here to help with expert AC repair in the Georgia area. Prompt repairs protect you from hazardous refrigerant fumes, skyrocketing energy bills, and an uncomfortable home. Contact us today to schedule a service appointment.
