Signs Your Air Conditioner Is Leaking Refrigerant
Your home's air conditioning system is designed to provide climate control in the summer months, and make your home comfortable to be in no matter what the temperature is like outside. However, if the refrigerant within your air conditioning system begins to leak out of the system, your air conditioner may stop working as intended. Thankfully, there are a couple of warning signs that you can keep your eye out for to help determine when you need to contact an HVAC professional to come in and fix your system.
Blowing Hot Air
If your air conditioner fails to blow cooled air to any area of your home, no matter what your thermostat is set to or how long you run it, it is likely that your unit has leaked out the majority of its refrigerant. This means that you're wasting energy and just blowing hot air around your home. If, however, there is no air flow despite your air conditioner being turned on, the issue lies with either a broken fan or a blockage in your air ducts, both of which are less serious and simpler to fix than a refrigerant leak.
Increased Energy Bills
Though not necessarily an indication of a refrigerant leak on its own, if you notice that your energy bills are increasing over time without a corresponding increase in the amount of electricity that you're using, you may have a refrigerant leak. You should contact an HVAC contractor if you notice your energy bills increasing at the same time as any of the other symptoms of a refrigerant leak.
Ice Buildup
A clear sign of a refrigerant leak in your air conditioner system is if ice has built up on the lines running from the outdoor unit, known as the condenser, to the interior of your home. This ice created as the cooled refrigerant leaks out of the unit and freezes the humidity in the surrounding air. If this is the case with your air conditioner, you should turn the unit off and get in contact with a contractor immediately.
Hissing Sounds
Head outside and check out the condenser. Even if there's no ice on the intake lines, you should listen to hear if there's a hissing or bubbling sound while your air conditioner is operating. While not all leaks will make sounds, if you do happen to hear anything you likely have a damaged line somewhere that is letting refrigerant out, and you should turn the unit off right away.
For more information or assistance, contact companies like Getzschman Heating, LLC.
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