Four Signs of an Air Conditioner Refrigerant Leak

A refrigerant leak in your air conditioner can cause many problems and should be repaired quickly. Tucson, AZ, AC repair experts can assist homeowners in identifying the cause of their leak and provide timely repairs to get the system running properly again.

Delaying repairs can lead to further issues, so it’s important for homeowners to look out for the following signs of low refrigerant levels.

1. Sudden Spikes in Electricity Bills

When the system leaks refrigerant, it can’t run efficiently and works harder than it should. The result is a higher utility bill, which homeowners may only notice over a few months. It’s best to compare bills from the previous year’s cooling season to identify major inconsistencies.

2. Poor Cooling Performance

The unit will not provide consistent cooling if a leak depletes refrigerant levels. Homeowners might notice poor airflow or warm air from the vents despite the unit being set to a cooling cycle. Long cooling cycles or frequent cycling on and off are also red flags for potential leaks.

If the system performs poorly, a refrigerant leak is one of the most common culprits. It is important to address the leak quickly to prevent the frequent cycles from damaging the unit further through excess wear and tear.

3. Unusual Noises From the Unit

Homeowners may notice a hissing noise from the unit as refrigerant escapes through a leak. Other noises to be wary of include rattling and clanging, which typically indicate failing components due to more complicated issues than a refrigerant leak (though a persistent, untreated leak can cause component damage and failure).

4. Excess Condensation and Ice Buildup

Finally, homeowners should look out for frozen condensation around the unit. The evaporator coils may freeze if too little refrigerant cycles through them, preventing them from absorbing adequate heat as designed. While some condensation on the coils is normal, when it becomes excessive or freezes, this is a major warning sign of a refrigerant leak.

Sometimes, the freezing coils will drip and cause the overflow drain pain to fill up and spill, resulting in visible water leaks around the unit. These leaks can cause serious water damage and be a breeding ground for mold and mildew if left to spread, so it’s vital to address them quickly.

Why Seek Professional Maintenance?

It’s always best to choose a professional air conditioning service over DIY approaches because certified HVAC contractors have the tools and expertise to safely and efficiently address the issue without damaging your home. Additionally, seasoned technicians can spot subtle signs of damage that homeowners might miss.

Trust Eazy Breezy Heating & Cooling

Now that you know how to tell if your AC is leaking refrigerant, it’s time to seek professional support.

Tucson, AZ, residents can trust Eazy Breezy Heating & Cooling to tackle their AC issues. Whether you’re struggling with a suspected refrigerant leak or bad AC smells, our expert team can help you restore your system’s efficiency and performance.

Call 520-207-0334 today to schedule your inspection or learn about seasonal maintenance services.