When your air conditioner stops cooling your house or starts blowing warm air, it might be low on refrigerant. That usually means that there is a leak somewhere in the unit.
Refrigerant leaks are a common AC problem. But if you don’t control them, these leaks can increase your utility bills and shorten your unit’s life.
Below, this AC repair contractor in Deerfield, Illinois is going to explain what refrigerant leaks are, and why you should address them as soon as possible.
What is refrigerant, and why does it leak?
Refrigerant is the liquid your air conditioner needs to cool your house. It moves through the unit, changing back and forth from liquid to gas as it carries heat from inside your house to the outside. That is what keeps your home cool.
Leaks usually happen slowly over time. Parts of the unit, like the coils, seals, or connectors, can break down with age.
Copper coils can get tiny holes from rust or chemical reactions. These holes are hard to see, but they let the refrigerant escape. Joints and seals can get brittle and start to crack.
Even little vibrations that happen every time the AC runs can slowly loosen parts or wear them down. When tubes rub against each other or metal for a long time, that rubbing can create thin spots or holes. Some parts are held in place by rubber pieces that help absorb movement, but even those break down eventually.
Sometimes, the cause is more obvious. Lawn tools, like trimmers or mowers, can hit the coils or lines and leave a dent or cut that causes a leak.
How do you know if your AC is leaking refrigerant?
If your AC seems to be running all the time but your house still is not cooling, that might be your first hint. Another sign is if your utility bill increases for no clear reason. When the unit leaks, it must work harder, and that uses more power.
If you go outside and hear a soft bubbling or fizzing noise near the unit, that sound can mean refrigerant is leaking out. It reacts with the air or moisture around it and makes that noise.
You might also see ice starting to form on the lines or coils. When there is not enough refrigerant, the pressure inside the unit drops. That causes the evaporator coil to get too cold and freeze. Later, the ice melts, and you may find small puddles under or around your unit.
Some people notice their home feels sticky or muggy even when the AC is running. That is because the unit is not pulling moisture out of the air the way it should. A refrigerant leak lowers the unit’s ability to dehumidify, so the air feels damp.
One more thing to look for is oily spots near the parts and connections of the AC. Refrigerant carries a bit of oil with it. So, if there is a leak, that oil can leave a greasy mark on the lines or joints.
If you are seeing any of these signs, its best to reach out to a trusted AC repair contractor in Deerfield, Illinois.
Topping off the refrigerant isn’t enough.
Just adding more refrigerant does not actually address the leak. The refrigerant will just leak out again, sometimes in just days or weeks. Meanwhile, your unit keeps working harder than it should, which puts strain on important parts inside, like the compressor.
Leaks can also harm the environment. R‑410A refrigerant, which many units use, is a greenhouse gas. When it escapes, it is 2,088 times more damaging to the climate than carbon dioxide.
That’s why it is important to hire a certified AC repair contractor in Deerfield, Illinois. They will know how to handle the refrigerant safely and prevent further leaks.
Looking for an AC Repair Contractor in Deerfield, Illinois?
If your AC isn’t running properly (or at all), now is the time to reach out to our team at John J. Cahill Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning for help. As a top-rated AC repair contractor in Deerfield, Illinois, we handle everything from small fixes to refrigerant leaks and more. Contact us today at 847-864-5225 to schedule a service.
