Even the best air conditioning systems can be expected to encounter operational problems from time to time. Some of these problems are more serious than others, of course, and the refrigerant leak is one of the most serious of all. Refrigerant leaks can do serious, sometimes irreversible damage to air conditioners over time. They can also be tough to recognize, especially if you don’t know what it is that you are looking. That’s a bad combination, but we’re here to help.
Today, we’d like to share with you some of the warning signs that your air conditioner may be leaking refrigerant. Remember to schedule air conditioning repairs in Clovis, CA at the first sign of trouble with your system. Your air conditioner does not need to break down entirely for repairs to be justified, nor should you let the system get to that point before taking the initiative to have it repaired. And now, some tips to help you recognize a refrigerant leak in your system.
Is There Ice on the System?
This is a major indicator that something is wrong with your air conditioner. It may not necessarily even be a refrigerant leak, but whatever is causing your air conditioner to ice over must be identified and resolved. In the case of a refrigerant leak, you’ll see ice on the indoor coil and on the refrigerant lines themselves.
Refrigerant is so crucial to the overall performance of your air conditioning system because it is the refrigerant that allows for the removal of heat from the air in your home to begin with. More specifically, the evaporation of the refrigerant in the evaporator coil allows the refrigerant to absorb heat — heat that it then vents outdoors. If there is not enough refrigerant, the coil can get too cold, causing condensation on it to freeze.
Is the System Hissing?
Oh my, you think, there must be a snake in my AC! We can’t rule anything out without checking in on the system personally, but let’s just say that there is a much more likely reason why your air conditioner is hissing. Unfortunately, while not as startling as uncovering a hidden snake, it is probably more serious. Yes, we’re talking about a refrigerant leak.
Refrigerant is under pressure in your AC, changing phases as it cycles through the system. If you hear hissing coming from the air conditioner, you could well be hearing the sound of refrigerant leaking out. Let us know so that we can investigate matters.
Is the System Blowing Warm Air?
Obviously, there is a problem, if so. Your air conditioner has just one job to do, and that is to cool your home no matter how hot it gets outside. If it is not capable of doing so, then there is definitely an issue.
When there is not enough refrigerant in the system, it is not going to remove enough heat from the air. It’s just that simple. Sealing any leaks and recharging the refrigerant to the appropriate level is your only course of action.
Let Donald P. Dick Air Conditioning handle your air conditioning repairs.