Air conditioners and heat pumps rely on refrigerant to function efficiently. Refrigerant absorbs heat from the air inside your home and transfers it to the outdoor unit, where it is released. When refrigerant leaks from your AC or heat pump, it can lead to a range of issues, including decreased energy efficiency, higher utility bills, and even system failure.
Why ACs and Heat Pumps Need Refrigerant
Refrigerant is a crucial component of air conditioning and heat pump systems as it is responsible for transferring heat from inside your home to the outdoor unit, where it is released into the atmosphere. This process is achieved through a cycle of compression and expansion, where the refrigerant is compressed into a high-pressure gas, transferred to the outdoor unit, and then expanded into a low-pressure liquid to release the heat it has absorbed. The refrigerant then repeats this process, continuously absorbing and releasing heat to maintain the desired temperature in your home.
2 Common Causes for AC Refrigerant Leaks
- As an AC unit ages, the constant cycle of heating and cooling can cause the refrigerant lines to expand and contract, which can eventually lead to cracks or leaks in the lines. Additionally, exposure to outdoor elements such as rain, wind, and extreme temperatures can cause the refrigerant lines to corrode or weaken, leading to leaks.
- If the refrigerant lines were not properly connected or the unit was not installed on a level surface, it can cause stress on the lines, leading to cracks or leaks over time. Additionally, if the refrigerant lines were not properly sized or insulated, excess strain will be placed on the system, creating refrigerant leaks.
Symptoms of AC Leaks
Refrigerant is the key ingredient in an AC unit that allows it to cool or heat the air in your home. When a refrigerant leak occurs, the amount of refrigerant in the system is reduced, which can cause a variety of symptoms.
Less Cooling
Low refrigerant levels can cause the system to run longer and work harder to cool or heat your home, resulting in higher energy bills and reduced efficiency. Additionally, a low refrigerant level can cause the system to produce less cool or warm air, making it difficult to achieve the desired level of comfort in your home.
Increased Wear and Tear
A struggling AC will lead to increased wear and tear on the AC system, potentially resulting in the need for costly repairs or even early replacement. Addressing any refrigerant leaks promptly can help ensure that your AC system is running at peak efficiency, keeping your utility bills low and reducing the need for expensive repairs.
Bubbling or Hissing Sounds
As refrigerant leaks out of your AC, it creates a low-pressure environment which can cause the remaining refrigerant to boil and create a bubbling sound.
A hissing sound is caused by the refrigerant escaping through a small hole or crack in the refrigerant lines or components. If you hear either of these sounds coming from your AC unit, it’s important to call a professional HVAC technician as soon as possible to identify and repair the source of the leak.
Foul Odors
When the refrigerant leaks, it can mix with other air particles in your home, producing a distinct and unpleasant odor. Refrigerant leaks can cause moisture to build up in the system, leading to mold and mildew. If you notice any foul odors coming from your AC unit, it’s important to call a professional HVAC technician as soon as possible to identify and repair the source of the leak and prevent any potential health hazards.
How To Prevent Refrigerant Leaks
While some refrigerant leaks may be unavoidable, there are steps you can take to prevent them from occurring.
Schedule HVAC Maintenance
Regular AC maintenance is essential for preventing refrigerant leaks. During routine maintenance, a professional HVAC technician can inspect the refrigerant lines and components for any signs of wear and tear or damage. They’ll also check the refrigerant level, clean the AC unit’s condenser coils, and replace air filters. This can prevent debris from building up in the system and causing damage to the refrigerant lines or components.
Protect Your Outdoor Unit
One of the most effective ways to protect the refrigerant lines is to keep the outdoor unit clear of any debris, leaves, or other materials that could obstruct the airflow and cause damage to the refrigerant lines. Regularly cleaning and inspecting the outdoor unit can help prevent any potential problems, including refrigerant leaks. If you notice any damage to the refrigerant lines or other components, contact a professional HVAC technician immediately to repair the issue before it leads to more significant problems.
Get Prompt Repairs
Refrigerant leaks can cause the AC system to work harder to achieve the desired temperature, leading to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills. Delaying repairs will worsen these problems and lead to further damage to the refrigerant lines and other components, ultimately resulting in even more costly repairs.
Ensure Proper Installation
It’s crucial that the HVAC tech in charge of your HVAC installation understands all aspects of the process including proper handling and installation of refrigerant lines. They should be knowledgeable about the type of refrigerant being used in your system, the correct pressure levels, and the correct amount of refrigerant required for optimal performance. Improper handling of refrigerant during installation can result in leaks, which can cause damage to your system, increase your energy costs, and harm the environment. A professional RedHome technician can ensure that the refrigerant lines are correctly installed and that the refrigerant is charged to the appropriate levels, reducing the likelihood of leaks and ensuring that your AC or heat pump operates efficiently and effectively.
