How to Tell if the AC Is Leaking Refrigerant and Needs Repair
Refrigerants are an essential part of every air conditioner. Inside the air conditioner is a system of coils and piping that keeps the refrigerant in a closed loop at a precise pressure. When the system leaks, refrigerant can leak out into the atmosphere, causing a drop in pressure inside the once-closed loop. When refrigerant levels are low, many problems can occur with the air conditioner.
Fixing refrigerant leaks should be a priority for all owners because low refrigerant can cause high bills and extensive damage to the air conditioner. Here are a few signs of refrigerant leaks in the air conditioner so homeowners can know when to call for AC repairs.
Frozen Coils
Refrigerants provide the cooling power for air conditioners, so they are vital for proper operation. When refrigerants are allowed to boil, a process that happens at a low temperature, the evaporator coil in the air conditioner drops to near-freezing temperatures. The contrast between the warm air in the home and the cold coil causes condensation.
Normally, this process works without problems. However, when a refrigerant leak occurs, it can cause the refrigerant to cool the evaporator coil too much. When the evaporator coil drops below freezing, condensation will freeze onto it. This limits the AC's ability to cool the home and can cause leaks around the unit. The easiest way to spot a frozen coil on most AC units is to pull the air filter and inspect the coil for ice.
Inadequate Cooling or Long Cooling Cycles
Once enough refrigerant is lost due to a leak, the air conditioner will lose much of its ability to cool the home. Since refrigerant is the driver of the cooling process, when there is less of it to go around, the home can stay warm and muggy. This is usually the first sign that prompts a homeowner to look for problems with an air conditioner.
Refrigerant leaks can be slow, so it can take some time for the problem to manifest fully. By paying attention to long cooling cycles and high cooling bills, even at the beginning of the summer when cooling demands are lower, owners can more accurately detect the problem and call for professional refrigerant leak repair before things get more serious.
New and Unusual Sounds
Refrigerant travels through the air conditioner's coils as a liquid and a gas, depending on the section of piping it occupies. In a perfectly balanced system, the sound of the refrigerant flowing should be barely noticeable above a gentle hiss. When refrigerant volume is diminished, the pressure and phase will change at inopportune places in the AC piping. This can result in gurgling or bubbling noises that indicate the pressure is off. If these noises are heard, owners should call a professional to investigate the cause so they can make repairs.
About Boutwell's Air Masters
Boutwell's Air Masters has offered first-class, professional service for over 50 years. They are preferred partners with the top equipment manufacturers, so their customers know they are getting the most qualified help. Call today for HVAC repairs in Pensacola, FL.
