What Should I Do if My AC Is Leaking Refrigerant?
Tucson residents know that air conditioning is necessary to survive the hot Arizona summers. In fact, a 2020 federal government survey found that approximately 90% of homes now have air conditioning. Despite their popularity, not everyone realizes that air conditioners can come with serious problems, such as leaks.
Some AC refrigerant leaks can be hazardous to your home and health. More specifically, if you believe you have an AC freon leak, turn off your air conditioner and call a technician immediately.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about how to fix a refrigerant leak in your AC unit, including:
Dealing With an AC Refrigerant Leak? Give Us a Call Today!
Advantage Air Mechanical has over 30 years of experience as Tucson’s local HVAC and plumbing experts. Our trustworthy and highly-trained technicians aren’t paid on commission, so we’ll never upsell you. Call us today to get your potentially dangerous AC leak repaired quickly!
Understanding an AC Refrigerant Leak
There are two main types of AC leaks: water leaks and refrigerant leaks. If your AC is leaking water, the main concern is that it could damage your floor or other items. However, if your air conditioner is leaking refrigerant, this could potentially harm your health and the environment.
Regular maintenance is the best way to reduce the risk of an AC leak in your home. Properly maintaining your air conditioner can help you catch small problems, such as a clogged condensation drain, before they become more significant issues.
Common Causes of AC Refrigerant Leaks
An air conditioner might leak for many reasons, including:
- Wear and tear
- Old age
- Poor installation
- Physical damage
- Manufacturing defects
- Clogged condensation drain
- Damaged condensation drain pan
- Frozen evaporator coils
- Dirty air filter
- Low refrigerant levels
- Broken condensate pump
- Formic acid buildup, which creates tiny holes in the copper circuit
Signs Your AC Might Have a Refrigerant Leak
Some of the warning signs your air conditioner might have a refrigerant leak include:
- Higher than usual electrical bills
- Hissing noises
- Bubbles in evaporator coils
- Warm air coming out of the AC
- The AC takes longer to cool your home
- Water leaks, which can be a sign that a refrigerant leak will happen soon
How to Check for a Refrigerant Leak
If there are any signs that your air conditioner isn't performing correctly, contact an HVAC technician. Whether it's a leak or not, you'll need a technician with the right skills to repair your AC and get it back to cooling your home.
The technician will likely test for a refrigerant leak in one of two ways:
- Leak detection: An electronic leak detector can accurately locate the leak.
- Isolation and pressure: If the leak detector can't detect the leak, the technician will isolate parts of the AC, spray the area with a soap-like mixture, and add pressure. Then, they'll look for bubbles to appear in a specific area, which indicates a leak.
What to Do if You Have a Refrigerant Leak
So you have a refrigerant leak and know it's unsafe. What do you do next? You might wonder, "Does freon leak when the AC is off?" Well, the answer is yes. The refrigerant can continue to leak even if you turn off your air conditioner. This is why it's crucial to have a professional come to your house; never ignore a refrigerant leak and get help immediately.
Even though it might not stop the leaking entirely, turning off the AC to reduce the risk of further damage is still recommended. Next, you'll want to contact a certified technician for repairs, as handling refrigerants requires specialized knowledge.
Freon is a lethal toxic substance that should only be handled by an experienced technician. If you inhale too much freon, you could be at risk of poisoning and even death. Also, freon leaks harm the environment as they can deplete the ozone layer.
Preventing Future Refrigerant Leaks
Now that you know how dangerous refrigerant leaks are, you likely want to do all you can to prevent them from happening. Here are some preventive measures that lower the risk of a leak in your AC unit:
- Regular professional maintenance
- Timely repairs
- Professional inspections
These steps can help reduce the risk of leaks, extend the lifespan of the AC system, and prevent costly repairs.
Protect Your AC and Keep Your Home Cool!
If you suspect your AC is leaking or something else is wrong with the unit, it's time to call Advantage Air Mechanical for an inspection. You rely on your air conditioner to keep your home cool and comfortable, so don't delay getting it fixed.
At Advantage Air Mechanical, we offer fair, honest prices and fast, convenient scheduling so you can get the repair you need when you need it.