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Posted: April 6, 2022

If your air conditioner is not functioning as it should, there is a good chance it could be due to an air conditioner refrigerant leak. A refrigerant leak is a common issue, but it is an issue that affects the air conditioner greatly. If the refrigerant continues to leak, you may find yourself unexpectedly hot, sweaty, and irritable in your home. Additionally, it can cause health problems. Refrigerant leaks may not be obvious, but learning what it is, what signs to look for, and what causes it will help you be more aware.

What is an air conditioner refrigerant and why is it important?  

The refrigerant or coolant is used in the compressor. It is distributed to various components of the air conditioner, such as the coils, condenser, and evaporator. It goes through a process where it turns it from a high pressure gas to a liquid in order to keep your home cool. Without adequate refrigerant, your AC would not be able to keep the air cool.

Signs of Possible Refrigerant Leaks                 

There are several signs of possible refrigerant leaks. If you are experiencing any of these issues, contact a qualified and knowledgeable HVAC company to check your air conditioner for a leak.

- Low Air Flow. When you turn on your AC and there is little airflow, it is because there is not an adequate amount of refrigerant. If there is not enough, your system cannot provide enough cool air.

- Hissing Sounds. If you hear hissing sounds coming from the AC it is due to cracks or holes in the parts or components of the system and the refrigerant is escaping from there.

- Frozen Evaporator Coil. If the evaporator coil is frozen, it cannot absorb the heat after the refrigerant passes the compressor. This prevents the system from cooling and the condensation on the coils will freeze.

- AC Leaks. The frozen evaporator coils start to melt and the water drips down through the unit, which forms a puddle on the floor as it has nowhere to go.

- AC Does Not Cool Home in a Timely Manner. If your refrigerant is low, the air conditioner loses its ability to cool your home or business. If you notice that your home does not cool down as fast, the lack of refrigerant may be to blame.

- Humidity. If your unit has a leak, it will not be able to lower the humidity as it is intended to.

- Higher Than Normal Electric Bill. If your air conditioner is not working as it should, your power bill will increase more than it normally would. Why? An inefficient system must work harder to cool your home, which means it is using more power.

Causes of Refrigerant Leaks

There are several things that can cause the refrigerant to leak.  

- Improper installation

- Factory defects

- Corrosion of metal and copper components and parts

- Vibrations

- Wear and tear

Dangers of Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerant leaks can be dangerous for you and your family. If it is inhaled, a person may feel dizzy, experience shortness of breath, cannot focus, and lacks coordination. If they inhale a large amount, it can cause someone to lose consciousness, have seizures, or die. If someone comes in direct contact, they can have allergic reactions, chemical burns, and even frostbite.

Air conditioner refrigerant is vital for keeping your Cocoa Beach, Florida home cool. If you are experiencing any of these issues, contact Brevard Cooling and Heating. We are a company you can trust. Please contact us at 321-757-9008 or schedule an appointment using our form.