If you have an older air conditioning system (and you’re reading this article!), you’re probably aware of what happens when there’s a refrigerant leak.
You notice that your air conditioner is not cooling effectively, even though the fans are spinning, and the air flow appears to be adequate. Even though the system is running more than usual, the problem gradually worsens over time, days or even weeks. Finally, you reach for the register and feel warm air blowing out. This is a classic symptom of a refrigerant leak. Never again!
Continue reading to find out what causes a refrigerant leak, how to properly repair it, and how to prevent it from happening again.
What causes a refrigerant leak?
For those of you who have never dealt with air conditioner refrigerant before, here’s a brief overview.
In air-cooled AC systems, refrigerant is the substance contained within your air conditioner’s coils that removes heat from the air in your space. The correct amount of refrigerant was added when your system was installed. Your air conditioner does not “deplete” refrigerant; if everything is properly sealed, the refrigerant should remain in the coils and be constantly recirculated.
However, holes and cracks can form in the coils, resulting in a refrigerant leak. When this occurs, your system has been unable to cool as effectively. As the refrigerant level drops, your space becomes warmer.
Why you shouldn’t ignore an AC refrigerant leak
A refrigerant leak is not something you should ignore. If you do, prepare to face these consequences:
SYSTEM Damage. When your system’s refrigerant levels are low, it tries to compensate by running longer in order to cool your space. This increases system pressure, which can damage many other components and eventually cause your compressor to fail.
ENERGY USE. The more your air conditioner runs in vain to reach the desired temperature, the more energy it consumes. As the temperature in your home rises, so will your utility bill. With a 10% drop in refrigerant volume caused by a refrigerant leak, your system can use up to 20% more electricity.
DAMAGE TO THE ENVIRONMENT Refrigerants are hazardous chemicals that have been shown to deplete the earth’s ozone layer. As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency regulates the handling and disposal of refrigerants. It’s fine if it stays where it belongs: in your air conditioner coils. When a refrigerant leak occurs, the chemical evaporates and enters the atmosphere, where it contributes to global warming.
POSSIBLE HEALTH CONCERNS This doesn’t happen very often, but if you have a large enough refrigerant leak, breathing evaporated refrigerant can cause lung damage. You should also be aware that skin contact can result in burns, so if you suspect a leak, avoid touching your AC coils. Leave the inspection to professionals who have received training in safe refrigerant handling.
How to properly fix a refrigerant leak and how NOT to restore one
To begin, do not attempt to repair a slow refrigerant leak by simply adding more refrigerant to the system to get you through the rest of the summer.
Because it is quick and relatively inexpensive, it may be recommended by some unprincipled HVAC companies. This is a short-sighted solution for all the reasons stated above, as well as the rising cost of refrigerants. If you must keep recharging it, you will end up paying just as much as if you had fixed the refrigerant leak properly the first time.
Another bad idea is to use leak sealants to temporarily stop a small refrigerant leak. The problem is that the fix will not last, and the sealants can sometimes cause system blockages.
So, how do you properly repair a refrigerant leak? There are two choices:
Locate and repair the hole (s). Finding a refrigerant leak used to be time-consuming and expensive because it required manually inspecting the entire length of the coil to find a tiny hole. Today, qualified HVAC service providers have equipment that detects leaks and makes finding and repairing holes faster (and less expensive). If you have a slow refrigerant leak and your technician discovers only one or two small holes or cracks, this is likely the best course of action.
Change the AC coil. If your system is old or in poor condition, or if your technician discovers numerous leaks in the coil, he may advise you to replace it.
Prevent refrigerant leaks with regular maintenance
Here’s something you should know refrigerant leaks are one of the most common causes of air conditioning problems, and they’re often completely avoidable with regular system maintenance.
Invest in maintenance at least once or twice a year, typically at the start and end of the cooling season, to keep your air conditioning system in good working order. A detailed inspection of all parts is typically performed, as well as cleaning fans and coils, clearing drain lines and pans, changing filters, and repairing any worn wiring or electrical parts.
It’s also important to understand that not all service contracts are the same. You can tailor your agreement to your equipment’s needs, your budget, and your system’s usage. Get this helpful guide to learn how to get preventative maintenance that works for you: HVAC Preventive Maintenance Contracts: How to Choose the Best Option for Your HVAC Infrastructure
