Common Signs of a Refrigerant Leak
During the height of summer, most people will be staying inside to get away from the heat and humidity. Far too many people will be disappointed when they head inside and find the home warm and muggy because the air conditioner has failed. There are plenty of ways an air conditioner can leave homeowners disappointed, but one problem in particular should stick out to homeowners when it happens.
Refrigerant leaks are a fairly common problem for air conditioners, causing the unit to not perform during the summer. Homeowners should quickly learn the signs of refrigerant leaks so they can call for a technician. Here is a short guide to the three most common signs of refrigerant leaks.
The Coils Are Frozen
The cooling power of an air conditioner comes from the refrigerant in the coils held at a very specific pressure. The purpose of the pressure is to allow the refrigerant to boil and condense at specific temperatures, a process that causes the temperature of the refrigerant to rise or drop according to a point in the compression process.
When refrigerant leaks occur in the system, the pressure drops, causing the boiling and condensing temperatures to change. Once the leak gets bad enough, the temperature in the evaporator coil will drop too low. When this happens, the moisture in the indoor air will condense and freeze onto the coil. If the process continues long enough, the outdoor coil can also freeze.
To spot frozen evaporator coils, look for:
- Wet spots around the unit
- Frost on the coil
- Wet air filters
- Poor AC performance
The AC Is Not Cooling Properly
It may seem like a block of ice on the evaporator coils would still cool the home, but it won't. Due to this, the next major sign of a refrigerant leak is an air conditioner that won't cool the home. When the ice on the evaporator coil gets large enough, the home's airflow is inhibited, leading to a warmer home. Additionally, moisture in the air will stop condensing on the coil, making the air feel muggy.
Conversely, a refrigerant leak may not lead to a frozen evaporator coil but still fail to keep the home comfortable. Since this situation may be confusing, it is always best to enlist the help of an AC technician any time the AC fails to keep the home cool.
Owners Hear Unusual Sounds
The final signs that homeowners can spot indicative of refrigerant leaks are unusual sounds. Unlike mechanical problems that are apparent in bangs and screeches, problems with the refrigerant are subtler. As the refrigerant flows through the coils and line sets, it shouldn't make much noise. If sounds like gurgling or bubbling are heard, it is a good indication of a refrigerant leak that has allowed the pressure and volume of refrigerant to drop. Technicians can quickly locate the leak and repair the system to good service.
About Colonial Plumbing & Heating Co., Inc.
Colonial Plumbing & Heating Co., Inc. finds AC problems fast and proposes custom solutions. Their factory-certified technicians offer award-winning service for AC repairs or installation. Call today for HVAC service in Colonial Heights, VA.
