5 Signs of an AC Refrigerant Leak

Your AC is calling for its repair  when it starts blowing warm air instead of cold air. Non-effective cooling is an indication that your air conditioner needs assessment. All device owners must look for signs of a refrigerant leak to minimize the damage and cost of repair.

What is an AC refrigerant?

Your air conditioner unit has a coolant called refrigerant/ Freon, responsible for its cooling effect. This refrigerant is present inside the coil and controls the temperature according to the thermostat.

There’s no need to recharge this refrigerant gas unless you encounter a leak. The refrigerant level never defoliates over time. The refrigerant is never used during AC functioning.  Poor installation and leak are the only two possible reasons for low refrigerant levels.

5 signs to look for in case of Ac refrigerant leak –

1. LOSS OF COOLING POWER – The first sign of a refrigerant leak is likely to be less cooling efficiency. There may be a leak if the air is not as refreshing as it was or even after dropping the temperature, the cooling is not as effective as it was. Loss of cooling power is because refrigerant is the chief component used for cooling air. Its job is to release the warm air outside the room and bring in cool air. The fewer refrigerant levels result in a long time to bring the room temperature down.
2. REGISTERS NOT BLOWING COOL AIR – The registers blow out warm air through the air vents without enough Freon. The result of the Freon leak is that your air-conditioned is not cooled efficiently and as a result, cool air is not blown out. For quick leak analysis, check the air coming through the vents.
3. HISSING SOUNDS COMING FROM YOUR INDOOR UNIT – Hissing or gurgling sounds can be indicative of a refrigerant leak. Although there is ‘n’ number of reasons where these sounds can be heard but a hole in the coil can also be one of them. A refrigerant leaking out of the crack, hole or puncture in the coil will cause a hissing sound. Unfortunately, the only way to fix the coil is to replace it.
4. COILS ARE FROZEN – The cooling process is thrown out of balance due to a refrigerant leak. Adequate heat is not absorbed by the coil due to the low level of refrigerant in your AC. This way ice or frost is formed on the coils and represent lost cooling potential. Ice then sometimes melt and drip on the floor. The frozen coils can damage your system and lead to expensive repair or damage.
5. AN AC REFRIGERANT LEAK EQUALS ELEVATED ELECTRIC BILLS – As your AC now takes a longer time to cool down the temperature, your energy bills will start rising. The sudden increase in electricity bills proves that your device is working harder and longer than usual. To reach your comfort zone, you might lower down the thermostat and this will perhaps result in higher electricity bills. Compare your earlier bills with the recent ones to get an idea of the leak.

Don’t ignore these crucial signs to run away from expensive repair and replacements. Also, refrigerant refilling is of no use unless you address the proper cause of the leak. Inspecting the real cause behind the leak is important to prevent its leak again.