Indicators Of Refrigerant Leak In Your Home AC

An AC is vital in keeping your living space cool when the outdoor temperatures are soaring. However, it can be disappointing when your cooling unit fails to deliver optimum temperatures effectively. Such can be the case due to a refrigerant leak that may occur during normal operation. If this is the case, you must contact an AC repair technician to check the refrigerant leak and fix it for optimal cooling power. Below are signs you should watch out for.

Insufficient Cooling

If you notice the air from your vents is not as cold as it should be, the refrigerant could be leaking. This is because the coolant absorbs heat and expels it outdoors. Therefore, when the refrigerant leaks, the cooling power reduces, causing the AC to blow lukewarm air. In addition to inadequate cooling, a coolant leak also leads to longer cooling cycles. This happens as your system works harder to provide an average cooling output. In such a case, an AC repair technician will seal the leak to restore cooling capacity.

Frozen Evaporator Coil

When a coolant leak occurs, it can cause the evaporator coil to freeze. This occurs because the leak forces the refrigerant to expand. As a result, the pressure in the system reduces significantly, causing the condensation on the coils to ice up. Consequently, your AC will blow warm air as the ice on the coils inhibits heat absorption. The good news is you can restore the heat transfer process once an AC repair expert seals the leak. 

Hissing Noises

If you hear a hissing noise from your AC, the coolant could be leaking. Such an occurrence is common when you have loose fittings from constant outdoor unit vibration. When this happens, the coolant squeezes out the narrow openings, creating a hissing sound. Your unit may also produce gurgling sounds if you have a significant leak. The good news is an AC repair expert can tighten the access fittings to prevent a refrigerant leak.

High Electricity Bills

If you notice a sudden increase in electricity bills in your home, a coolant leak could be the culprit. When the line set sustains a leak, it may not absorb as much heat as it should. This forces the compressor to overwork to meet your cooling needs. As a result, the AC will consume more energy while increasing the strain on the components. Thus you want to remedy this problem by calling an AC specialist to seal the leak and lower the operational costs.

Exposure to a refrigerant leak through inhalation can adversely affect your health. Therefore, you should book regular appointments with an AC repair technician to service your unit for peak performance. 

For more information about AC repairs, contact a local professional. 

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