Signs of a Refrigerant Leak
Refrigerant leaks can occur to any AC system, new or old. Knowing what caused your refrigerant leak helps our HVAC technicians plan a course of action. Some of the most common reasons your air conditioner refrigerant leaks include:
- Defective factory components
- Improper AC unit installation
- Refrigerant tube corrosion
- Vibration caused by your AC running
Many refrigerant leaks happen when the line loosens or suffers abnormal damage. While refrigerant lines typically carry a life expectancy of 25 years, your original installer may have overtightened the suction line’s ends, causing refrigerant leaks. If you notice any of these signs, you may have a problem with leaking refrigerant:
Warm Interior Air
If you notice that your indoor air doesn’t cool as much as before, you may have a leak in your refrigerant lines. When the air conditioner has difficulty matching your temperature settings, it works harder and stresses your entire HVAC system.
Higher Utility Bills
When your air conditioner runs for long periods, it requires more electricity. An overactive AC unit may raise your energy bills, sometimes in a sudden spike, other times in a gradual incline. If your electricity bills rise without any obvious additional burdens, you may need to call us for refrigerant leak repair in Elgin, IL.
Raised Humidity
Higher than average humidity in your home makes the air feel stuffy and sticky. You may notice condensation on mirrors or windows, damp furniture, and bubbling paint or wallpaper. When your air conditioner works properly, the dry, cool air easily dehumidifies your home.
Icy Evaporator Coil
If you check your evaporator coil and notice it has ice build-up, your air conditioner needs repairs. A refrigerant leak sometimes causes this problem because it doesn’t pull in the heat necessary to stop the line from freezing. Ignoring this issue can cause permanent damage to your AC unit.
Unusual Noises
If the refrigerant lines have holes or cracks, the escaping liquid may cause a hissing or gurgling sound. Over time, these lines may break down from the combination of refrigerant chemicals, water, and air. Contact Leith Heating and Cooling if your air conditioner unit makes strange sounds.