When your air conditioner is not cooling your home like it used to, one of the most common culprits is a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant is the chemical responsible for absorbing heat from your home and cooling the air. If your system is low on refrigerant due to a leak, it can seriously affect comfort, efficiency, and even your health. Absolute P&M Services would like to break down the common signs of a refrigerant leak, what causes them, and why it’s important to act quickly.
What is Refrigerant & Why is it Important?
Refrigerant circulates through the coils of your air conditioning system. As it absorbs heat from inside your home and releases it outdoors, your air conditioner delivers cool air. But when there’s a leak, that cycle breaks down leaving you with poor cooling and rising energy bills.
Common Signs of a Refrigerant Leak
Reduced Cooling Performance: If your air conditioner is running but your home still feels warm or never reaches the set temperature, it could be a sign of low refrigerant levels. Without enough refrigerant, the system can’t properly absorb and remove heat.
Hissing or Bubbling Noises: Refrigerant leaks often make a hissing or bubbling sound, especially if the leak is in the refrigerant lines or evaporator coil. These noises occur as the pressurized gas escapes from small holes or cracks.
Ice on the Evaporator Coil: Low refrigerant causes the evaporator coil to become too cold, and moisture in the air can freeze on the coil. If you see ice buildup on the indoor unit or refrigerant lines, shut off your air conditioner and call a technician.
Higher Energy Bills: If your air conditioner is leaking refrigerant, it has to work harder and run longer to cool your home. This results in increased energy consumption and higher utility bills, even if your thermostat settings haven’t changed.
Long Cooling Cycles or Constant Running: Low refrigerant means your system can’t remove enough heat per cycle. As a result, your air conditioner may run for extended periods or continuously, trying and failing to cool the space.
Humidity Problems: A working air conditioner should help dehumidify your home. If the system is not removing moisture from the air as it should, and your indoor air feels sticky or damp, low refrigerant levels may be to blame.
What to Do If You Suspect a Refrigerant Leak
Turn off the system to prevent further damage. Next, call a licensed HVAC technician for a diagnostic test. If a leak is confirmed, the technician will:
• Locate and repair the source.
• Recharge your system with the correct refrigerant type.
• Test the system to ensure proper performance.
Simply refilling refrigerant without fixing the leak is a temporary and ineffective solution.
Central Air Conditioning & Heating Maintenance, Repairs, Replacement & More in Santa Fe, Tomball, Sugar Land, Galveston, Austin & Greater Houston, Texas
If your air conditioner is not performing like it should and you notice any of these signs, do not wait as refrigerant leaks only get worse over time. Trust a certified HVAC professional to diagnose the issue and restore your cooling system to full health. Need expert help fast? Contact Absolute P&M Services and schedule our visit today!
