Learning the Signs of Refrigerant Leaks

Know When to Call for Refrigerant Leak Repairs

Home and business owners must know how to manage their homes and properties effectively. One important topic to be well-versed in is the air conditioning that cools the space. While most owners understand the need to change the air filters and schedule regular AC maintenance, they probably don’t understand some details about how the air conditioner works. When owners take the time to understand their air conditioner, they can be better equipped to spot the signs that repairs are needed. 

In this article, local professionals offer a guide to dealing with refrigerant leaks. Here are some of the most common signs that refrigerant leaks are present so owners can save time by providing accurate troubleshooting information to technicians when they call for AC repairs. 

There Are Frozen Evaporator Coils

The refrigerant in the air conditioner is delicately balanced to the correct pressure and volume. This allows the chemical to be compressed and evaporated to efficiently remove heat from an indoor environment. When an AC refrigerant leak is present in the plumbing or coils of an air conditioner, the delicate balance is thrown off, and the AC loses its ability to transfer heat energy. The first sign of this is often on the evaporator coil. 

The heat transfer occurs in the evaporator coil, removing heat from indoor air. When the evaporating refrigerant within is under less pressure due to a leak, it can cool the coil to below-freezing temperatures. This causes humidity in the air to condense and freeze on the coil. The air in the home will be warm and muggy, and there will be visible ice on the coil. If the coil can’t be seen when the air filter is removed, there will likely be puddles around the unit. This is a clear sign that refrigerant leak repair is needed. 

The Space Is Too Warm

The second sign of a refrigerant leak is often related to the first one. When ice obstructs airflow through the air conditioner, the air from the vents will be warm and muggy. After a few cycles, the entire home will feel uncomfortable. This should be a sign to check for frozen evaporator coils. 

On the other hand, if a refrigerant leak is bad enough, the air conditioner will lose all cooling power. The evaporator coil won’t freeze when this happens, but the home will still be uncomfortably warm. When technicians are called, the owner should relay this information, taking note of how long the unit has been running. Most often, AC repair specialists will be able to fix the problem quickly to restore AC service. 

Unusual Sounds Are Obvious

The refrigerant will boil and condense in the wrong places when the pressure equilibrium is thrown off due to a leak. Under normal circumstances, refrigerant should slow through piping quietly. When the pressure is too low, it will bubble or hiss. When these sounds are heard, it is a clear sign that the air conditioner is struggling. Calling a professional to find the leak and top off refrigerant levels will restore performance and quiet down the system. 

About Davis Heating & Cooling

Davis Heating & Cooling caters to residential and commercial clients struggling with air conditioning problems. Their teams guarantee installation and repair service and offer extended warranties on their work. Call today for a refrigerant leak repair service in Flemington, NJ.

Contact Information:

Davis Heating & Cooling

105 Route 31 Bldg C
Flemington, NJ 08822
United States

Tom Davis
(908) 806-7419
https://www.davis-hvac.com/