Be Careful … This Type of Leak Can be Dangerous!
Your central air conditioner needs refrigerant to cool your indoor space. When the refrigerant level gets too low, it can result in all kinds of problems, including a stifling hot house and a severely damaged AC system.
So, what exactly is AC refrigerant and what does it do? Well, for starters, it’s a substance that shifts between liquid and gas as it absorbs heat through evaporation and releases it through condensation. This is how it keeps your home cool and comfortable. Unlike the gasoline in your car, refrigerant does not “run out” and need to be replaced. AC refrigerant stays at the same level—unless you have a refrigerant leak, which can be caused by damage to the unit, a defect or even normal wear and tear.
But how do you know if your AC has a refrigerant leak? Here are seven signs:
- Your system is making hissing sounds. If there are holes or cracks in the parts of your AC system that distribute refrigerant, your system will hiss when a cycle is running. If the leak is large, you might hear bubbling instead of hissing. If you hear either of these sounds, call your friends at Matheson to check it out.
- Your AC is on, but your house is warm and stuffy. If the refrigerant level gets too low, your AC will try to keep your house cool … to no avail. So, when your AC is on but your house isn’t cool enough, you could have a refrigerant leak. Keep in mind, though, that a dirty air filter could cause this same problem. So, check your air filter first.
- Cooling cycles are taking longer. Without the proper amount of refrigerant, your AC system will work harder and longer to try to cool off your indoor space.
- Your indoor air feels extra humid. Refrigerant removes the warm air in your home and replaces it with cool air. But it also helps remove the humidity. As a result, your indoor air may feel extra humid when there’s a refrigerant leak.
- Your utility bill is high. When you have a refrigerant leak, your AC will work harder, which will cause your monthly electric bill to spike.
- Your system’s evaporator coils are icy. Your system cannot absorb hot air properly without refrigerant. When that happens, excess condensation will form on the coils, which can then become icy.
- You smell exhaust fumes. Refrigerant leaks can release fumes into the air. Please be careful! These fumes can be harmful to your health. If you notice this smell, turn off your AC and call us right away!
Never try to repair a refrigerant leak on your own. Leave this job to HVAC professionals like us who know how to handle this material safely. In addition, the U.S Department of Environmental Protection, citing both health and environmental reasons, says you should never try to add refrigerant to your system on your own. This is another job for the professionals.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
Do you suspect your AC system has a refrigerant leak or some other problem that needs an AC repair? Call Matheson at 248.971.2994 or reach out through our website to schedule your appointment today.