A Homeowner’s Guide to Refrigerant Leaks

How to Determine When AC Refrigerant Leak Repairs Are Needed

Texas summers are hot and humid—there’s no way around it. To stay comfortable, homeowners must ensure their air conditioner works properly to keep their house cool. If there is an air conditioner refrigerant leak, it can prevent the AC system from working correctly.

Numerous signs can indicate a refrigerant leak, including a frozen evaporator coil. Due to this, the house cannot reach its ideal temperature, and strange sounds are coming from the unit.

AC contractors explain the signs of an air conditioning refrigerant leak and how homeowners can keep their air conditioners working correctly.

How Frozen Evaporator Coils Indicate a Leak

Refrigerant leaks can impact an air conditioner, causing the evaporator coils to freeze. If ice builds up on the evaporator coil, it can lead to the following effects:

• Refrigerant levels drop: When refrigerant leaks, the amount of coolant circulating through the system decreases.
• Reduced cooling capacity: The evaporator coil struggles to absorb heat effectively with less refrigerant.
• Temperature drop: The reduced heat absorption causes the coil’s temperature to drop below freezing.
• Ice formation: As moisture in the air comes into contact with the frozen coil, it freezes, forming ice on the coil.

To prevent ice build-ups, homeowners should schedule an appointment with an AC contractor as soon as possible.

Ineffective Cooling Can Signal a Refrigerant Leak

Another sign of a refrigerant leak is if the house is not cooling to the thermostat’s setting. If the air conditioner is running and the house is hot and uncomfortable, it can indicate insufficient refrigerant to cool the house properly. If this happens, it can cause the AC system to overwork and use more energy, resulting in higher utility bills.

The air conditioner needs some coolant to work properly and remove heat from the house. If the home is not reaching its ideal cool temperature, property owners will need to schedule services with an AC contractor to have the unit inspected and determine if there is a leak preventing the right amount of refrigerant from flowing through the system.

Odd Noises Are Symptoms of Issues

When an air conditioner is working correctly, it makes very little noise. While it might hum while running, it shouldn’t make loud or unusual sounds. They must immediately call for AC and refrigerant leak repairs if they hear strange noises.

Some possible sounds households might hear are hissing or gurgling. Hissing most commonly indicates a refrigerant leak, and gurgling or a bubbling sound can signal a more serious refrigerant-related problem.

About Republic Heating & Air Conditioning

Republic Heating & Air Conditioning experts offer top-rated HVAC services to Ellis County. With more than 50 years of experience, they take pride in educating their customers and perform complete system evaluations. Call them today for air conditioner services and refrigerant leak repairs in Red Oak, TX.