The last thing you want during a scorcher summer day is for your air conditioning system to start to fail—or fail completely. One of the most common issues that can cause an AC to lose power and eventually break down completely is refrigerant leaks. Understanding the impact of these leaks, how to spot them, and the importance of professional air conditioning repair in Maysville, KY can save you from a boiling hot house and costly repairs. Here’s what you need to know about AC refrigerant leaks, straight from our Premier Pros.
The Importance of Addressing Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant absorbs heat from your indoor air and releases it outside, keeping your home cool and comfortable. If refrigerant starts to leak, it poses a significant threat to your AC unit for several reasons:
Lowered Cooling Ability
A refrigerant leak leads to a decrease in the cooling capacity of your AC system. This means longer run times to achieve the same level of cooling, leading to increased energy bills, and extra strain on your system.
Changes in Indoor Humidity Levels
Properly functioning AC units also play a crucial role in regulating indoor humidity levels. A refrigerant leak can result in higher humidity inside your home, making the air feel muggier and less comfortable.
Risk to the Evaporator Coil
Low refrigerant levels can cause the evaporator coil to freeze, which hurts the AC unit’s ability to absorb heat. This not only reduces efficiency but can also cause damage to the coil itself, requiring costly repairs or replacement.
Compressor Failure
The compressor relies on a precise amount of refrigerant to function. A leak will eventually cause compressor burnout, which is often a death sentence for your AC unit which means you must replace it.
Refrigerant isn’t consumed during the cooling process. If your system is low on refrigerant, it’s due to leaks, not normal operation. These leaks won’t just seal up and disappear—they need to be repaired.
Signs of Refrigerant Leaks
- Hissing Sounds: A telltale sign of a refrigerant leak is a hissing or bubbling noise coming from your AC unit, indicating escaping gas.
- Increased Energy Bills: If your cooling costs are rising inexplicably, it could be due to the reduced efficiency of your unit caused by a refrigerant leak.
- Ice on the Evaporator Coils: Visible ice on the coils might indicate low refrigerant levels and should be addressed immediately.
- Inadequate Cooling: If your AC is struggling to cool your home as effectively as it used to, it might be due to a refrigerant leak.
- Extended Cooling Cycles: Pay attention if your AC is running longer than usual to achieve the desired temperature.
You Need Professionals for Repairs
A refrigerant leak isn’t a DIY job. It requires specialized tools and expertise to find the leak, properly seal it, and refill the refrigerant to the manufacturer’s specified level. Our certified technicians are equipped to handle these tasks efficiently and safely, ensuring your AC system returns to optimal performance.
Ignoring a refrigerant leak can lead to more significant issues down the line, including severe damage to your AC system. If you suspect your AC unit has a refrigerant leak, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our experts are ready to diagnose and resolve the issue.