One of the most important parts of your AC system is the refrigerant that runs through it. This important substance helps to get rid of the heat in your home and replace it with cool air. The problem is, over time, your unit can spring a leak. When refrigerant is leaking, you aren’t going to get that same cooling effect that you would or even should. Hal Mechanical is here to talk about refrigerant leaks, how they start, and how they can get fixed.
Causes of Refrigerant Leaks
When you first have your AC unit installed, it should work flawlessly. Over time, it will more than like become less efficient. As it gets to the end of its useful life, you may notice that there are problems that start to pop up here and there. One of the most common problems in older units is a refrigerant leak. The refrigerant in your unit is located in a closed system. This means that it should never have to be replaced. You don’t simply use it up. The only way that you would have to do anything with the refrigerant is if there is a leak somewhere. Leaks happen as the pipes that hold the refrigerant eventually give way to the high pressure and a leak occurs. These leaks can be fixed if the leak can be located. Sometimes, it can be difficult to find out exactly where the leak is.
How Do I Know if My Refrigerant is Leaking?
If you do have a refrigerant leak in your system, there are going to be signs that point in that direction. Here are some of the things that you should be watching for.
– Hissing & Bubbling: Because the refrigerant is kept at such a high pressure always, when there is a leak, it can cause a loud hissing or bubbling sound to be present. If you notice any strange sounds coming from your unit, you need to have it looked at right away. Hissing and bubbling isn’t something that you want to hear coming from your cooling system.
– Lukewarm Air: When you first turn your AC on, you want to feel that reprieve from the heat immediately. Depending on the temperature of your home, it could take a while for it to reach its desired temperature. However, within an hour of turning on your cooling system, if you don’t start to feel more comfortable, there is a chance you have a problem with your unit which could be a refrigerant leak.
– Inefficient Cooling: Another sign of a refrigerant leak is an inefficient system. If you have noticed that you are paying more to cool your home and it isn’t feeling cool, have a professional come take a look.
Central Air Conditioner Repair, Replacement & More in Aliante, Anthem, Desert Shores, Eldorado, Enterprise, Green Valley Ranch, Henderson, Inspirada, Mountain’s Edge, North LV, Peccole Ranch, Paradise, Providence, Rhodes Ranch, Seven Hills, Silverado Ranch, Spring Valley, Summerlin, Sunrise Manor, The Lakes, Tuscany Village & Las Vegas Nevada
Any problems you may be having with your cooling system can be repaired with the help of the pros at Hal Mechanical. You can count on us to ensure your HVAC system is able to keep you cool in summer and warm in winter. Call us today!