It always seems that air conditioner problems and breakdowns happen at the most inconvenient times: such as the middle of summer when the temperatures hit triple digits. Refrigerant leaks particularly seem to pop up out of nowhere. This is why it’s so important to have your AC system routinely and professionally maintained and serviced. At Scenic City Heating & AC we’re your local AC repair specialists. We can help you locate and repair a leak, all while offering upfront pricing, too.
Looking to avoid emergency repair services entirely? Ask about our annual maintenance plans and keep your home cool and comfortable all year long!
Signs of a Refrigerant Leak
Refrigerant is what helps the evaporator coils of your AC unit cool the air before it’s forced into the ductwork and out of the vents in your home. When the refrigerant leaks, it makes your coils, condenser, and lines work harder and strain to keep your space cool. And sometimes, if the leak is bad enough, all cooling will stop. Any added strain on your unit, too not only wastes energy and money, but it can also shorten the lifespan of your appliance.
Some common signs that you have a refrigerant leak can include:
- Ice/Frost: Refrigerant leaks prevent the evaporator coils from absorbing the heat they need in order to cool the air meant for your house. Because of this, the coils will freeze, leading to ice or frost that you can see on your lines.
- Puddles: Any time you find a puddle of liquid beneath or even near your AC unit is a likely sign of a refrigerant leak. If you’ve ruled out a recent rainstorm, contact a professional as soon as you can.
- Lack of Cooling: If your AC unit is running but your house just isn’t cooling off, you most likely have a refrigerant leak. If the air is blowing but your house isn’t cold, or the cooling level is gradually reducing, this could be a sign that the refrigerant level in your unit is leaking away.
- Hissing Sounds: Hissing noises coming from your refrigerant lines can often be due to a refrigerant leak. The refrigerant in your unit is stored as a compressed gas, so if it’s leaking, it can cause a hissing sound when the gas escapes.
Any of the above issues is a sign that you should contact our expert AC professionals so we can diagnose your problems and offer you a solution.
Why Do Leaks Happen?
Refrigerant leaks can happen due to storm damage on your AC unit or from normal wear and tear, or even if your AC unit is elderly. If you’re facing repeated repairs on your unit, it may be time to consider a replacement.
But one of the more common causes of refrigerant leaks is formic acid, which builds up over time from the copper lines in the AC unit. Eventually, the built-up formic acid will eat through the line, causing a leak.
A bigger problem than just the leak, though, is that refrigerant is a dangerous chemical, and not safe to be around. When the refrigerant gas is inhaled it can lead to poisoning, which can be fatal. Luckily, it takes a lot of freon to lead to severe poisoning and any leak can be addressed before it becomes a safety concern as long as you’re aware of the problem.
This is why it’s important to contact a professional if you suspect a refrigerant leak. Experts can locate and repair the leak, keeping your home cool while preventing any damage.
Is the problem due to your aging AC unit? We also offer AC replacement services to help resolve your issues once and for all.
Give Us a Call Today!
Scenic City Heating & AC has been serving the Chattanooga, TN area since 2000 and is here to help you with all your AC needs. Our trained and fully licensed technicians can safely repair and maintain your air conditioner and keep you and your family safe and comfortable. We do the job right and treat every customer right. A refrigerant leak can quickly leave your home feeling hot. Get the help you need by contacting our AC contractors today!
