It doesn’t matter if it’s summer or winter. The last thing we want is a malfunctioning HVAC system. This is especially true since we spend most of our time in the four corners of our room, where all we want is to be comfortable. The scorching heat affects our mood. The same goes for cold weather that makes us unproductive (check here).
However, air conditioning systems will eventually reach their maximum capacity, mainly if they are not performing optimally in the first place. This can range from something as simple as dirty filters to something as serious as leaks that could end up harming your health as well as the environment.
One of the most common A/C problems is when your refrigerant leaks. Since the lines that carry coolant degrade over time, it might cause your system to develop a leak, which needs to be repaired as soon as possible. If not, it can be time-consuming and costly. But if you are aware of the warning signs, you may be able to detect a refrigerant leak to address it at the earliest possible stage.
What Is A Refrigerant?
The refrigerant or freon is an essential component in your air conditioner because it absorbs heat from indoor air and releases it outdoors. It is a chemical compound used in the refrigeration cycle of HVAC systems to deliver cool air to your home. So when your A/C is not blowing cool air and any other signs, freon leaks may be the culprit.
Poor Cooling Power
During the cooling process, the refrigerant is critical because it assists in maintaining a consistent temperature. To do its job, the coolant must absorb heat from your home and discharge it outside elsewhere. Therefore, if the refrigerant levels are too low, it will be virtually impossible to achieve effective heat transfer, and the process of producing cool air may take significantly longer.
Furthermore, having a freon leak in your air conditioner may cause a sudden loss of cooling capacity in your air conditioner. It is best to get a repair service from https://www.schutzheating.com/ac-repair-flint-mi/ to check the source of the problem firsthand. Usually, you’ll notice this when your system suddenly becomes unable to keep up with the pace of the day’s hottest hours.
High Electricity Bills
It is common for coolant to begin leaking when there is a refrigerant leak. This results in an inconsistent dispersion of liquid, which results in temperature swings. As a result, your conditioner must work harder to cool your room. Furthermore, since leaks can make your air conditioner inefficient, you’ll see a red flag on your next electricity bill.
There are two best ways to keep an eye on all of these potentially dangerous (and costly!) AC issues, both of which can result in your energy bills going through the roof: have seasonal maintenance and have your A/C inspected by a qualified HVAC professional.
Icy Evaporator Coils
You should start wondering why your evaporator coils are freezing despite the hot summer weather. In many cases, it is the result of a refrigerant leak. Once the refrigerant levels have dropped, the coils may not absorb heat as efficiently as they ought to. So it condenses into a solid-state and freezes, resulting in reduced airflow.
Repairing Refrigerant Leaks
If the leak recurs, it may be necessary to repair it. In addition, because refrigerants are almost always hazardous to your health, it is never a good idea to attempt to troubleshoot them on your own. It can result in poisoning, which is dangerous to your well-being because it might make you experience difficulty breathing, headaches, irritation, and a lot more.
Hence, always delegate this task to a trained and licensed HVAC technician. While most refrigerant leaks are caused by age-related breakdowns, there are some preventative measures you can take to reduce the likelihood of leaks occurring in the future. An annual tune-up and maintenance, which includes cleaning your air conditioning coils, can help prevent a refrigerant leak in your air conditioning system.
Furthermore, if this problem occurs, it is recommended that you consult with a qualified HVAC technician to determine whether your refrigerant needs to be replaced or whether it is worthwhile to repair the damage.
