Refrigerant leaks are a common headache for homeowners when it comes to their air conditioning systems. Yet, many people are unaware of the serious implications these leaks can have when it comes to the performance and longevity of their air conditioner.
As an HVAC company dedicated to keeping homes comfortable, Associated Heating and Air Conditioning wants to shed light on why refrigerant leaks are more than just a minor inconvenience and often call for AC repair in Springfield, OR.
REFRIGERANT DOESN’T RUN OUT (NORMALLY)
Contrary to popular belief, refrigerant in your air conditioner doesn’t run out with normal operation. Unlike fuel in a car that needs periodic refilling, refrigerant works on a closed-loop system. When your AC is installed, it’s charged with a specific amount of refrigerant necessary for optimal performance. This charge should ideally remain constant throughout the unit’s lifespan, barring any leaks or other issues. Therefore, if your AC is low on refrigerant, it’s a clear sign of a leak that needs immediate attention.
WHY LEAKS CAN OCCUR
Refrigerant leaks can occur for various reasons, including corrosion of copper tubes, faulty installation, or wear and tear over time. Regardless of the cause, the consequences of a refrigerant leak can be severe. One of the biggest dangers is the potential for the compressor to burn out. The compressor plays a crucial role in the cooling process, and without an adequate level of refrigerant to circulate, it can overheat and fail, resulting in costly repairs or even the need for a complete system replacement.
SIGNS OF LEAKS
Detecting a refrigerant leak early is essential to prevent further damage to your AC system. Some common signs to watch out for include:
- Reduced cooling performance: If your AC isn’t cooling your home as effectively as it used to, it could be a sign of low refrigerant levels.
- Hissing or bubbling sounds: These noises coming from your AC unit could indicate a refrigerant leak.
- Ice buildup on the evaporator coils: A refrigerant leak can cause the evaporator coils to freeze over, hindering the cooling process.
- Increased energy bills: A leaky AC system has to work harder to maintain your desired temperature, leading to higher energy consumption and utility bills.
WHY YOU NEED PROS TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM:
While it may be tempting to try to repair air conditioning problems on your own, fixing a refrigerant leak is not a job for amateurs. Handling refrigerant requires specialized knowledge and equipment to ensure it’s done safely and effectively. Moreover, simply refilling the refrigerant without addressing the underlying leak is only a temporary solution and will lead to further problems later—especially if not enough or too much refrigerant gets put in! When you hire our trained professionals at Associated Heating and Air Conditioning, you can rest assured that the leak will be properly repaired. Our skilled technicians will ensure your refrigerant is recharged to factory levels so your AC will get back to working effectively and efficiently again.
Remember, when it comes to repairing refrigerant leaks, leave it to the experts at Associated Heating and Air Conditioning to get the job done right. If you enjoyed this post and found it be educational, be sure to share it with your friends and family!