The refrigerant in your AC is responsible for cooling your home. If there’s a leak, it’s escaping through cracks or small holes in your cooling system. This is usually because of weak connections in the pipes or AC components. If you don’t address this issue promptly, it will impair your AC’s ability to cool and possibly lead to further damage, such as compressor issues or complications with other components. If you’re able to detect refrigerant leaks early on, you can avoid breakdowns and costlier repairs. Watch for the following warning signs.
Inadequate Cooling
Does it seem like your AC is struggling to keep you cool and comfortable? Maybe the air coming from your vents isn’t as cool as you like. These are both warning signs that indicate your cooling system has a refrigerant leak.
Strange Sounds
Refrigerant makes unusual noises as it escapes through cracks and tiny holes in your cooling system. You may hear hissing or bubbling sounds when there’s a leak.
High Electric Bills
Your AC works harder when there’s a refrigerant leak. This causes the cooling system to consume more energy to keep your home cool. As a result, you’ll notice your electric bill rising.
Ice Buildup
Do you have visible ice buildup? When refrigerant leaks, the evaporator coil freezes over. This hinders the cooling process.
Longer Cooling Cycles
Without the right refrigerant level, it takes your AC longer to cool down your home. It may have longer cycle times or run continuously without ever reaching the temperature you desire. This is a red flag indicating a refrigerant leak.
Unpleasant Odors
When refrigerant leaks, it has an unpleasant, chemical odor. Many people describe it as an odor much like exhaust. If you smell this, turn your AC off immediately and call for help. If you don’t get the refrigerant leak fixed, those fumes can be harmful to your health. You could experience dizziness, nausea, or difficulty breathing.
Water Leaks
Refrigerant leaks can cause a buildup of condensation. When this happens, you’ll see water pooling around your AC unit.
High Humidity
The humidity level in your home can increase when you have a refrigerant leak. The AC isn’t cooling enough to remove the moisture from the air.
If you notice any of these warning signs, contact professional technicians right away. They can fix the leak quickly so that you can once again enjoy a cool and comfortable home. Contact Pride Mechanical in Tucson, AZ today to learn more about this and all of our other AC repair services.
