If your air conditioning system is not keeping up with the heat, it could be due to a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant, also known as freon, is a colorless and odorless chemical that helps cool your home by removing hot air from inside the air conditioning system and relocating it outside. Knowing the signs of a freon leak is essential to maintain a comfortable home and, more importantly, to keep your family safe. One of the most common signs of a freon leak is the buildup of ice on copper lines or evaporator coils.
When the system lacks the refrigerant needed to cool the house, copper pipes or evaporator coils can't absorb as much heat. As a result, condensation builds up and causes pipes or coils to freeze. The whistling sound of the air conditioning unit is another telltale sign of a refrigerant leak. Cracks and holes in the parts of the air conditioning system that distribute the refrigerant will cause the system to whistle when a cycle is running.
Larger leaks can even produce a more liquid, bubbling sound, allowing more coolant to escape. If you think that a refrigerant leak in your air conditioner is causing your air conditioner to perform poorly, you'll need to decide whether to hire a contractor to repair a refrigerant leak in your air conditioner or if it's time to invest in a new air conditioning system. While you may not always notice that the air conditioner is a few degrees behind the thermostat setting, the sound of air moving through the vents makes it easier to tell if cooling cycles are abnormally long. Products such as air fresheners, glues or paints contain volatile organic compounds, making it very easy for them to reach the indoor air conditioning unit. Some of the clearest signs of a refrigerant leak can be seen in the outdoor air conditioning unit. It's important to be vigilant if you suspect that your air conditioning system has a freon leak. Knowing how to identify signs of a freon leak is essential for keeping your home comfortable and your family safe.
If you suspect that a refrigerant leak in your air conditioner is causing your air conditioner to perform poorly, you'll need to decide whether to hire a contractor to repair a refrigerant leak in your air conditioner or if it's time to invest in a new air conditioning system.
