Refrigerant Leak Fundamentals For Central Air Conditioning

Your home's central air conditioning system depends on a precise level of refrigerant to keep the system cooling air adequately. When that refrigerant level drops, it negatively affects the cooling effects of the system and is bad for the environment. There are a few things that every homeowner should understand about air conditioning systems and refrigerant leaks.

What are some signs of central air conditioner refrigerant leaks?

Recognizing the presence of a refrigerant leak is the first step toward timely repair. Most homeowners don't understand the effects of reduced refrigerant, so they overlook those trouble signs until they lead to system failure.

When you stand near your air conditioning unit, especially in the early stages of a leak when the pressure in the system is still reasonable, you might hear a hissing sound from the leak. Watch for your air conditioning system to run excessively. An overworked air conditioning system is typically striving to cool the air despite insufficient refrigerant. Not only that, but you'll probably find ice buildup on the coils because the system is trying so hard to cool the air. Finally, as the refrigerant levels drop, your air conditioner will release warmer air, so your home won't feel as cool.

What causes a central air conditioning system to leak refrigerant?

There are a number of things that can lead to refrigerant leaks in an air conditioning system. Corrosion in the system can damage connections that seal the system. Those damaged connections can allow refrigerant to seep past. In addition, blown seals as a result of wear and tear or cracking might also make the system vulnerable. You may have loose connections somewhere in the system or punctured refrigerant lines. Rodents, wear and tear, poor maintenance, and environmental threats can all make a system vulnerable to refrigerant leaks.

Why do you need an AC repair technician for refrigerant leaks?

When you suspect that your air conditioning system is leaking refrigerant, you need to reach out to a local air conditioning repair technician as soon as possible. They can test the pressure in the system to confirm the presence of a leak, help you identify the cause of the leak, repair the damage, and safely recharge the system for you.

These are some of the things that every homeowner should understand when it comes to central air conditioning. Talk with your local AC repair technician today if your system isn't performing the way that it should.