Freon plays a significant role in keeping air conditioning systems functioning. If a freon leak occurs, your AC may lose its ability to cool, which results in higher energy bills, an uncooled home and potential damage to the system. Detecting and fixing a freon leak early may prevent these issues, including maintaining comfort in your home. Reaching out to an HVAC professional is considered a wise choice when dealing with an air conditioner system freon leak.
How Do You Know Your AC System Has a Leak?
Spotting the signs of an AC freon leak early may save you from expensive repairs. But how do you know that your AC system has a leak? One of the most noticeable freon leak symptoms is a decrease in your air conditioner’s cooling capacity. If your AC runs, but struggles to cool your home, a freon leak may be the cause.
Another common sign of an air conditioner leak is that the system will typically cycle on and off frequently. Ice forming on the evaporator coil is yet another red flag, especially if this happens during the warmer weather. A sudden rise in your monthly energy bills can also indicate a freon leak, as the system works harder to maintain cooling. A hissing sound coming from the unit also suggests that the refrigerant may be escaping.
Common Areas for AC Leaks
Air conditioning systems can develop leaks in various spaces. However, certain parts of the system are more prone to AC freon leaks than others. Knowing about the most common areas that experience an AC leak is important to help you better understand the issue at hand.
Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil is a common source of AC leaks. This coil’s job is to absorb the heat from the air inside your home, allowing the air conditioner to cool it. Over time, small holes or cracks may form in the coil, causing an AC freon leak. When this happens, the cooling efficiency decreases and may need frequent freon recharge to keep the system working. Since the evaporator coil is hard to access, a professional AC technician is needed for inspection and to locate leaks.
Copper Tubing & Joints
Copper tubing and joints in your AC system carry refrigerant between the various components. Leaks can develop due to corrosion or damage from vibration. A leak in the copper piping that carries AC refrigerant may be difficult to detect, especially if it occurs in areas that are hard to reach. Joints are particularly vulnerable, as movement in the system may weaken them. Using a freon leak finder can help to locate these types of leaks, but professional repair is often required to completely stop the leak.
Expert Freon Leak Repair
Freon leak repair should always be handled by professionals so that you can be certain that the issue is properly repaired. Attempting to DIY repair any leak can be dangerous and may not actually solve the problem. Professional HVAC technicians typically use specialized tools and techniques, such as electronic leak detectors and UV dye, to pinpoint the location of the leak.
Once the AC freon leak has been identified, the technician can then repair the damaged component. The leak may be in the evaporator coil or the copper tubing, as a professional can locate and stop a freon leak. After the repair has been made, a freon recharge will commonly restore the system’s cooling power. Freon leak repair costs can vary, depending on the severity and location of the leak.
Closing Thoughts About Leaking Freon
Freon leaks can cause significant problems for your air conditioning system if left unchecked. Leaks in the evaporator coil or copper tubing can reduce your system’s efficiency and result in higher energy costs. Recognizing freon leak symptoms allows you to act before the problem becomes worse.
Scheduling regular air conditioning leak detection and seeking professional freon leak repair helps to stop freon leaks and keeps your AC system to function at its best. Taking quick action may not only extend the life of your air conditioning system, but also creates a more reliable and comfortable cooling experience, year-round.
