How to Know if There is a Refrigerant Leak in Your Air Conditioner | Air Conditioning Repair in Plano, TX
We have extensively discussed the handling of refrigerants during air conditioning service and repair ( The Basics of Refrigerant Handling Protocol), and the phase out of HCFC-22 refrigerant (The Recent Changes in Refrigerant Regulations) in our previous posts.
Today’s post, is an extension of the mini-series, in which we will be discussing about the tell-tale signs to know, that help identify a potential refrigerant leak in an air conditioning system.
As a company, providing quality air conditioning services that include installation, maintenance and air conditioner repair in Plano, TX, our team of technicians is often posed with the questions about the signs that can help identify a potential refrigerant leak.
Why the subject of refrigerant leak is of concern to home owners and other consumers?
The reasons are:
- Refrigerant leak means, unintentional release of ozone depleting and non-ozone depleting refrigerants into the environment. These refrigerants have the potential to destabilize our ecosystem.
- Refrigerant leak implies, that homeowners and other consumers, repeatedly have to get their air conditioning units recharged. This counts as an added expense, but one, which can be easily avoided by calling in a qualified HVAC technician who excels in air conditioner repair in Plano, TX, and getting the leak fixed.
- Due to a refrigerant leak, an air conditioning system cannot work at optimum efficiency.
Hence, if you can identify a potential refrigerant leak in your air conditioner, you can consult a professional service that offers air conditioner repair in Plano, TX, and promptly address the issue.
Signs Your Air Conditioning System is Leaking Refrigerant
One thing, that you must keep in mind is that, an air conditioning system does not use up the refrigerant as part of the cooling cycle. Yes, the refrigerant may get contaminated which reduces its working efficiency in the long run, but if there are no leaks in the system, the refrigerant pressure should remain intact. Thus, if an HVAC professional, tells you that there are no leaks, but your unit may still need recharging, you should avoid proceeding with the case.
You Suspect that It’s Taking Longer to Cool Your Home
There was a time, when you used to switch on your air conditioner and your room cooled off within 15 minutes. But, that’s no longer the case. Your air conditioning system is now taking more time to cool the indoors of your building.
This indicates that the cooling power of your air conditioner unit has decreased. The two most common reasons, that account for drop in cooling power are:
- Air filters becoming clogged.
- A refrigerant leak.
Therefore, whenever you suspect that it’s taking longer for the air conditioning system to cool your home, you should consult a professional that offers air conditioning repair in Plano, TX. An inspection would help identify the real cause and get it resolved.
That’s Definitely Not Cool Air?
When your air conditioning system is low on refrigerant, it is not able to cool the warm air efficiently. Most of this warm, uncooled air, is returned into the indoors of the building through the air registers. You can feel it by standing right in front of the inlet vent.
If, you too, are experiencing this, then this could be a potential indicator that your air conditioner is leaking the refrigerant. Call in a HVAC technician and get it fixed.
A Spike in Monthly Utility Bills
With your air conditioner, running low on refrigerant, it needs more time to cool the indoors of your building. This means, that where previously, running your air conditioner for 4 hours was enough, you now need to run it for an additional hour. Where previously, your air conditioner was consuming less electricity, it’s now consuming more. Your air conditioner is not working at optimum efficiency.
This translates into higher billing.
Therefore, if you have noticed a recent spike in monthly utility bill, knowing that there have been no additional loads, then you need to get your air conditioner checked. K&S Heating and Air offers reliable and quality air conditioning repair in Plano, TX and you can always count on our technicians to successfully troubleshoot every air conditioning problem.
Dark Colored Residue Spots
This one can be a bit tricky to identify as you need a trained eye to accurately diagnose the leak. Some refrigerants, such as HCFC-22, are mixed with oil at the time of charging. When there is a leak, the droplets of oil can leave dark colored, greasy residue spots on the pipes that connect your outdoor unit to your indoor unit.
If you can appreciate dark colored residue spots on the pipes of the air conditioning system, it is one of the clear signs that your air conditioner is leaking refrigerant.
*Please note, all cases of refrigerant leaks should be addressed by a professional who has the expertise and experience to execute air conditioner repair in Plano, TX.
The Evaporator Coils are Frozen
Frozen evaporator coils, is another sign of a potential refrigerant leak.
Refrigerants are formulated to absorb heat and cool the surrounding air. When there is a leak, refrigerant vapors do not absorb enough heat; they condense and get deposited as ice buildups along the copper lines. These traces of ice can be appreciated by closely inspecting the outdoor unit and the pipes that run through it.
If there are frozen evaporator coils to be found, chances are, that your air conditioning system is leaking the refrigerant.
K&S Heating and Air Provides Quality Air Conditioning Repair in Plano, TX
If you suspect your air conditioner is leaking refrigerant, you can call K&S Heating and Air, your trusted quality air conditioning service provider. We have the experience to conduct air conditioner installations, maintenance and air conditioner repair in Plano, TX. Click here, to book an appointment.