Is My Air Conditioner Leaking Refrigerant?

Refrigerant is key when it comes to your air conditioner being able to properly cool your home on warm summer days. If you have an AC refrigerant leak, your electric bills are going to go up, but the temperature in your home probably won’t make it down to a comfortable level. Below are some common signs of a refrigerant leak.

Warm Air Blowing From Vents

If it feels like your air conditioner is blowing out warm air, or it seems like your home is taking longer to cool down than it normally does, you may have a refrigerant leak. Low airflow and indoor humidity are other common signs of this problem. 

Hissing Noises

If your indoor unit is making hissing noises, it might be because there are cracks or holes in the coils that normally circulate refrigerant. The sound comes from refrigerant, which is a pressurized gas, leaking out of the system. Hissing noises can also be caused by other problems with your HVAC system, so it’s best to get it checked out as soon as possible.

Icy Evaporator Coil

If ice is built up on the evaporator coil or copper lines, you’re probably dealing with a refrigerant leak. When refrigerant levels become insufficient, the coil will not absorb heat as it’s meant to. The condensation on the coils will then freeze, and sometimes melt enough to drip on the floor. This could lead to the need for equipment  replacement if it isn’t handled quickly.

Note: Freon poisoning is possible if you’re exposed to large amounts of freon. Never attempt to fix a refrigerant leak on your own. Always call a professional.

If you think your air conditioner may be leaking refrigerant, get in touch as soon as possible! Schedule an appointment with one of our qualified technicians today. Contact us today to set up an appointment with Middleton Heat & Air! Please visit us online or give us a call at 1-800-404-0371.