Is your air conditioner taking too long to cool down your home? If so, one potential reason behind it could be an air conditioner refrigerant leak.
See, an efficient AC unit should maintain a constant amount of refrigerant. If there’s a leak, it could throw the entire system into disarray. This is also an issue you’ll need to fix quickly to avoid the risk of poisoning.
Not sure if you’re dealing with AC refrigerant issues? Here are some common indicators of refrigerant leaks and what to do about them!
Warm Air From Vents
If you feel warm air coming from the vents, check if the thermostat is set to “warm.” Also, confirm that the “fan” setting isn’t on. This setting allows air to blow through the vents even outside of a cooling cycle.
If your settings are fine, you’ll likely need to fix a refrigerant leak. A lack of refrigerant in the system prevents it from reaching the necessary pressure. As a result, some of the heat it’s absorbed will come out through the vents.
Hissing Noises
Do you hear consistent hissing sounds coming from your AC unit? This can indicate a variety of issues with the system, including a lack of refrigerant. If so, the cause of the sound may be the refrigerant escaping into the open.
To confirm if this is the case, carefully inspect your indoor and outdoor units. Look for cracks or holes where the refrigerant may be able to leak out. If you find any, contact an HVAC technician right away.
Increased Humidity
One of the key functions of your air conditioner is to dehumidify your home. If there’s a lack of cooling capacity, your AC will struggle to do its job. On top of discomfort, this can turn your home into a breeding ground for mold.
Granted, HVAC system leaks aren’t the only reason for increased humidity. In arid climates, for instance, you’ll need to be proactive to combat humidity. At some point, though, all that may help is a refrigerant replacement.
Frozen Evaporator Coil
A frozen evaporator coil is another telltale sign of a refrigerant leak. Normally, the refrigerant will pass through the coil to remove heat from your home. This is why refrigerant leaks often lead to a decrease in indoor air quality.
To check if your evaporator coil is frozen, first turn off your AC. Then, remove the access panel on your indoor AC unit to gain access to the coil. If you notice ice on it, you’ll need to remove it or replace the coil.
Fix an Air Conditioner Refrigerant Leak Now!
As long as you take care of air conditioner maintenance, refrigerant issues should be rare. If they do come up, though, you’ll need to address them ASAP. This guide will help you identify these issues and fix them!
Struggling with an air conditioner refrigerant leak? At Apex Clean Air, we pride ourselves on offering a 5-star service for all AC repair needs!
Contact us here to receive a free diagnostic for your AC unit!
