If your air conditioner is not cooling as efficiently as it should, an AC Freon leak might be the culprit. Freon is a refrigerant that helps cool the air in your home, but when there is a leak, your AC struggles to perform, increasing energy costs.
Fortunately, a Freon leak in the AC system is not impossible to repair. In this article, we will explore what causes an AC Freon leak, how to identify it, and what you can do to fix it. Start reading and discover how to deal with this issue independently.
What Causes An AC Freon Leak?
Several factors can contribute to an air conditioner refrigerant leak, such as corrosion, poor installation, wear and tear, and accidental damage.
Over time, the copper tubing in your AC unit can rust due to exposure to formic acid or formaldehyde, resulting in tiny holes that allow Freon to escape. If your AC was improperly installed or there was a defect in the manufacturing process, this could lead to early leaks.
Like any appliance, your AC system can experience normal wear and tear, especially in older units. It can cause connectors, seals, or joints to deteriorate, allowing Freon to leak. Also, physical damage to your air conditioning unit, whether from maintenance mishaps or external impacts, can rupture Freon lines.
What Are The Signs Of An AC Leaking Freon?
Freon leaks are not always obvious, but the critical indicators to watch for are warm air from vents, AC making noise, increased energy bills, ice buildup on evaporator coils, and even unexplained headaches and nausea.
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Warm Air From Vents: If your AC is blowing warm or lukewarm air, it is a sign that the system is struggling to cool due to low refrigerant levels.
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Hissing Or Bubbling Sounds: If you hear a hissing noise coming from your AC unit, it could be Freon escaping from the lines. Bubbling sounds indicate a leak in a more advanced stage.
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Increased Energy Bills: A leaking system works harder to cool your home, which can lead to a noticeable spike in your energy bills.
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Ice Buildup On Evaporator Coils: Low refrigerant levels can cause the evaporator coils to freeze, leading to visible ice on the unit.
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Unexplained Health Issues: In some cases, Freon leaks can cause symptoms like headaches, nausea, and dizziness if the refrigerant is inhaled.
In case you spot any of these common signs of a refrigerant leak in the AC unit, prompt action is necessary to avoid further issues. Read the following section to understand the basics of fixing an AC Freon leak!
How To Fix An AC Freon Leak? 4 Tips
Fixing a Freon leak requires professional attention due to the handling of refrigerants and the complex nature of AC repairs. Check out the steps to address it in the list below!
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Turn off the system if you suspect a leak.
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Call a professional HVAC technician to inspect your unit, locate the source of the leak, and determine whether it is repairable.
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Recharge the refrigerant once the leak is fixed to restore your AC cooling performance.
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To prevent future leaks, schedule routine maintenance to check refrigerant levels, inspect the unit components, catch potential issues early, and tune up the AC.
With these tips, you can better understand the causes, signs, and repair options for AC Freon leaks. If you suspect a leak in your AC unit, call eHARDHAT HVAC technicians to avoid higher energy costs, discomfort, and potential damage to your system.
