Your air conditioner works hard to keep your home cool during the summer heat, pumping refrigerant throughout the system to send warm air outside your Jersey home. But when wear, corrosion, or damage creates a hole or gap, refrigerant can leak out and prevent it from doing its job.
While professionals can fix some minor leaks with a repair, others call for complete system replacement. Read on to discover the top signs of an HVAC refrigerant leak and when complete system replacement is necessary.
What Is an HVAC Refrigerant Leak?
Refrigerant is a chemical compound found in your HVAC system that absorbs and releases heat during the cooling process. It cycles between a gas and liquid state as it travels through your AC, transferring heat from inside your home to the outdoors. A leak occurs when wear and tear, corrosion, or damage allow the refrigerant to escape the sealed system. As refrigerant levels drop, your system will struggle to cool your home, use more energy, and release a potentially harmful substance into your home.
Signs Your HVAC System Is Leaking Refrigerant
When your HVAC starts leaking refrigerant, you’ll often notice signs that your system isn’t operating at its best. Some common warning signs that it’s time to call an HVAC expert include:
- Rising utility bills: When refrigerant levels drop, your HVAC has to work harder to cool your home, causing energy usage and utility bills to increase.
- Reduced cooling: Without refrigerant, your AC can’t effectively remove heat from your home. You’ll often notice longer cooling times, rising temperatures, and constant short cycling.
- Loud noises: Hissing or bubbling sounds coming from your AC are often a sign of refrigerant escaping from the coils.
- Increased humidity: If your home feels damp or muggy, leaking refrigerant may be preventing your unit from removing enough heat from the air.
- Ice formation: When refrigerant levels drop, your unit can become too cold, causing a layer of ice to form on the evaporator coils.
- Strange smells: When refrigerant leaks from your HVAC, you may smell a sweet, nail-polish remover-like odor coming from your HVAC.
- Puddles or water damage: Leaking refrigerant can puddle around your indoor AC, causing a large pool or wet spot near the foot of the unit.
If you notice any of the above signs, immediately evacuate your house and contact the Sam’s Air Control team for emergency inspection. Refrigerants contain harmful chemicals, and exposure can put you and your household at risk of serious health concerns. Our experts will assess your unit, locate leaks, and repair your system to keep your family safe.
Common Refrigerant Leak Areas in HVAC Units
Refrigerant leaks often form in areas where components are under constant pressure or exposed to wear and tear. Some of the most common locations include:
- Joints
- Flare fittings
- Evaporator and condenser coils
- Rubber seals
- Capillary tubes
- The compressor
Without proper maintenance, pressure and vibrations can weaken these components, making them more susceptible to leaks. Physical damage and corrosion can also compromise these areas, allowing refrigerant to escape through cracks, pinholes, or gaps.
Can a Refrigerant Leak Be Repaired?
Whether a refrigerant leak can be repaired depends on its severity and location. Professionals can fix minor leaks by replacing the component or using sealing techniques that prevent refrigerant from escaping. The most common repair methods pros use include:
- Patching: Technicians use specialized patches or welding techniques to seal holes and prevent further refrigerant loss.
- Line replacement: Pros replace damaged refrigerant lines, purge the system, and refill it with new refrigerant.
- Component replacement: If a component, such as the compressor or coils, is heavily damaged or leaking in multiple places, you can replace it to prevent further issues.
When to Replace the Entire HVAC System
While repair techniques are effective for minor leaks, severe or widespread problems may make replacement a more cost-effective solution. To determine whether repair or system replacement is the best option, consider the following:
- The age of your system: If your AC is over 10 years old, it’s often better to invest in a replacement than costly repairs.
- The severity of the leak: If the leak is widespread or causing further damage to your HVAC, replacement is often less costly than extensive repairs.
- Repair costs: If the repair cost is more than half the cost of replacement, upgrading your system is often a wiser investment.
- Energy efficiency: Upgrading to a new, high-efficiency model can help you save in the long run by reducing energy consumption and utility bills.
- Warranty coverage: If your AC warranty no longer covers the cost of repairs, replacement offers peace of mind that you won’t have to deal with costly problems down the line.
- Outdated refrigerant: If your AC uses an outdated refrigerant, upgrading to a new unit with an environmentally friendly refrigerant ensures your system complies with current regulations.
Call Sam’s Air for AC Repair in Central Jersey!
Don’t let a refrigerant leak leave you sweating in the summer heat. Call Sam’s Air Control for air conditioner repair today. Our experts offer quick, lasting solutions that locate and stop refrigerant leaks before they disrupt your Jersey home. We use advanced diagnostic techniques to identify the source, determine the most effective solution, and get your air conditioner back up and running fast.
Call us to schedule a leak inspection or AC replacement today! We offer comprehensive heating and cooling repairs, maintenance, installations, and replacements throughout Edison and surrounding areas. With fast response times and 24/7 emergency availability, you can trust that we’ll be there when you need it most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a refrigerant leak dangerous?
Refrigerant leaks can be very dangerous, exposing your household to serious health risks. Some refrigerants contain toxic chemical compounds, which can cause headaches, vomiting, and respiratory issues when inhaled or ingested. If you or someone in your home comes into contact with refrigerant, immediately seek medical attention and contact our certified HVAC specialists.
Can I add refrigerant without fixing the leak?
You should not add refrigerant without fixing the leak. Putting more refrigerant into your AC without addressing the underlying cause can lead to further damage and potential health risks. If your unit displays signs of a refrigerant leak, contact our team for emergency repair. We’ll identify the source, repair your system, and recharge your refrigerant levels.
What is the life expectancy of an HVAC system?
The average life expectancy of an HVAC system is between 10 and 15 years. A unit’s service life depends on the system’s type, size, and upkeep. Scheduling annual tune-ups with our team helps your HVAC reach its maximum lifespan by improving efficiency and identifying potential issues before they progress into major repairs.
What should I do if I discover a refrigerant leak?
If you detect a refrigerant leak, immediately turn off your HVAC system and exit your home. Once you’re safely outside, contact our team for emergency inspection. We’ll thoroughly assess your unit, identify the source of the leak, and recommend the most cost-effective solution.
