Refrigerant is essential to your AC system, absorbing heat from the air to keep it cool. It’s meant to cycle continuously through your AC system and stay at the same level as it cycles repeatedly. However, sometimes things can go awry, and refrigerant can leak out of your air conditioner, wreaking havoc on your unit and health. Keep reading to discover the signs, causes, and ways to prevent refrigerant leaks.
What is Refrigerant, and How Does It Work in Your AC?
Refrigerant is a chemical that cycles through your HVAC system and absorbs heat to cool the air. There are two main types of refrigerant, often called by their brand names, Freon and Puron. Puron is known to be more environmentally friendly and is becoming the increasingly popular choice for AC systems.
The copper coils of your AC system are the main location where the refrigerant is found. It travels through your system, changing from a low-pressure gas to a high-pressure liquid. As it moves through the unit, it absorbs heat to cool the air and then releases it as it reaches the outdoors.
Signs and Symptoms of a Refrigerant Leak
Knowing the signs of a refrigerant leak is essential to keeping your household safe. The common indications of a refrigerant leak include:
- Ineffective cooling: If you notice that your AC is not cooling your home or releasing warm air, a refrigerant leak is the most common culprit.
- High utility bills: If your utility bills are suddenly spiking, you may have a refrigerant leak. When it leaks out of your system, your unit has to go into overdrive to meet cooling demands, causing your energy usage to increase.
- Humid air: Air conditioners remove warm air from your home and dehumidify the area. If a refrigerant leak occurs, you may notice the air is more humid than usual.
- Strange sounds: Refrigerant often makes bubbling or hissing sounds as it escapes from your AC unit. If you hear these noises, you likely have a leak.
- Icy evaporator coils: The clearest sign of refrigerant leaking from your system is ice forming on the evaporator coils. If you see this, contact a technician immediately.
Common Causes of Refrigerant Leaks
AC refrigerant leaks can have several causes. The most common include:
- Worn down or deteriorating connections and joins in the system
- Improper assembly
- Factory defects
- Corrosion of metal components
- Wear and tear
- Poorly fitted connections
The Dangers of Refrigerant Leaks
A refrigerant leak can cause serious damage to your AC system. As the levels of refrigerant fall, it makes it difficult for your unit to cool your home, causing your air conditioner to work harder than it should. An overworked system can result in excessive wear and tear or breakdown. You’ll also see your utility bills rise as it uses more energy to cool your home.
However, the most significant danger of a refrigerant leak is the impact on your health. Refrigerants contain poisonous chemicals that can cause serious medical issues. As it’s tasteless and odorless, you may not know it’s entering your system. If you notice any of the following symptoms of refrigerant poisoning, see a doctor immediately:
- Difficulty breathing
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Skin irritation
- Coughing
- Seizures
- Confusion
What to Do If You Suspect a Refrigerant Leak
If you suspect you have a refrigerant leak, immediately turn off your system to prevent further damage to your unit and health. Then, promptly leave the area and contact a professional HVAC technician. Due to the serious dangers, anyone without proper training and experience should not attempt to fix a refrigerant leak.
If you show any signs of refrigerant poisoning, visit a doctor immediately. Even if you don’t show symptoms from a refrigerant leak, you may want to get a check-up to ensure it hasn’t entered your system.
Once you re-enter your home, properly ventilate the system’s location. Use fans and open windows to remove any refrigerant in the air.
Preventing Refrigerant Leaks
Preventative maintenance is the best way to prevent refrigerant leaks. During a maintenance visit, an experienced technician will inspect, clean, and tune up your system to ensure everything works correctly. They will then be able to identify any leaks and repair them before they become a more significant issue.
Opting for professional installation is another way to prevent refrigerant leaks. Hiring a reputable HVAC technician ensures the correct installation of your system. Proper installation reduces the risk of loose connections and improper handling of refrigerant, which are common culprits of leaks.
If your HVAC system is over 10 to 15 years old, consider upgrading to a new, high-efficiency model. Worn or aging units are more susceptible to leaks or breakdowns, as the components have undergone wear and tear over the years. Installing a new unit helps prevent future leaks or breakdowns.
Call Express Plumbing for AC Repair
If you suspect a refrigerant leak in your AC unit, contact our team at Express Plumbing immediately. Our expert technicians are on call 24/7 for emergency AC repairs in Boise and surrounding areas. They will come equipped with all the tools and equipment required to fix the leak efficiently and effectively and ensure the safety of your household throughout.
We also offer preventative maintenance services and new unit installation. No matter the AC service you require, our team can help. Use our online scheduler or call us at
(208) 427-3135 to book your service in Idaho today. Don’t forget to ask about our flexible financing plans and seasonal specials.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a technician fix a refrigerant leak?
During the refrigerant leak repair process, our technicians will first find the cause of the refrigerant leak. They will then recover the remaining refrigerant in the unit, repair the issue, and pressurize the system to ensure no additional leaks. If the system is heavily damaged, they may recommend a replacement.
How often should I have my AC unit checked for refrigerant leaks?
You should have your AC system serviced by a professional at least once per year. We recommend scheduling your tune-up in the spring before your AC system runs constantly during the hot Idaho summers. Contact our team to schedule your maintenance appointment today!
Is it normal for some refrigerant to leak over time?
It’s not uncommon for a small amount of refrigerant to leak over time as the seals and connections degrade or loosen. However, a sudden or rapid refrigerant leak is a serious cause for concern. Contact our technicians immediately for emergency repair if this occurs.
