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4 Signs of Refrigerant Leaks and What to Do About Them
We’ve got the scoop on this chilling problem
Photo: galinast / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Photo: galinast / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Highlights
If you have a refrigerant leak, turn off your AC and call an HVAC professional.
Exposure to refrigerants can cause headaches, dizziness, or loss of consciousness. In severe cases, it can be fatal.
If your AC makes hissing sounds or takes a long time to cool your home, you may have a freon leak.
Higher-than-usual utility bills and increased indoor humidity can also indicate a refrigerant leak.
Normal wear and tear, improper installation, and metal erosion can cause refrigerant leaks.
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When your AC refrigerant leaks—a common homeowner issue—the appliance doesn’t work as effectively as it should. A “drip, drip” may sound daunting, but an AC freon leak is a relatively common problem. From troubleshooting tips to warning signs, use this guide to learn how to identify and fix an AC freon leak.
Why an AC Freon Leak Is Dangerous
AC refrigerant is a chemical compound used within an air conditioner. It’s also commonly referred to as freon (even though freon is technically a registered brand name, it’s now a catch-all term for various types of refrigerants).
Refrigerant’s job is to absorb heat and provide cool air after running through the compressor and evaporator. Essentially, an air conditioner’s ability to cool your home is dependent on the AC refrigerant properly operating.
While it serves an important purpose in your AC, refrigerant can be dangerous if inhaled or ingested. After inhaling freon, you can experience headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea, or vomiting. Ingesting refrigerant can lead to seizures, unresponsiveness, or death, according to the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
If you suspect you have an AC refrigerant leak, first things first, turn off the thermostat. When you keep a spewing AC running, you may cause more damage to the unit and release more refrigerant into your home.
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Signs That Your Refrigerant Is Leaking
When your air conditioning unit is malfunctioning, you may not know how to diagnose the issue. Any one of these warning signs below could warrant a call to the pros.
1. Higher Utility Bills
An AC that leaks is less efficient because it has to work harder to cool your home. This means you’ll probably have higher utility bills. If you’re noticing utility bills that are pricier than usual for no apparent reason, this could be a sign of a freon leak.
2. Longer Cooling Time
A less efficient AC unit won’t cool your house as quickly as usual. If you notice a lag in your home’s airflow, it may be a sign that there’s an issue with your refrigerant. Consider consulting an HVAC professional for an inspection if your AC unit seems to take longer than usual to distribute cool air.
3. Increased Humidity
Air conditioner units contribute to lowering the humidity levels in your home. If your humidity levels increase or fluctuate drastically, you may have an HVAC refrigerant leak.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the ideal indoor humidity level is 30% to 50%, meaning the air contains 30% to 50% of the maximum amount of moisture it can hold.
4. Hissing Sounds
Over time, metal might erode in your components, causing cracks or holes in the coils. If you notice hissing noises, you could have a leak that needs repair.
What Causes AC Freon Leaks?
There are a few common reasons for AC refrigerant or freon leaks, including:
Improper installation: When certain components and pieces are not secured, your AC may leak.
Metal erosion: Metal erosion causes small holes to form, resulting in refrigerant leaks.
Factory defects: If an AC unit leaves the factory defective, leaks may occur over time.
Wear and tear: The rubber seals on the valve stems of AC units tend to wear out over time, which can cause leaks. Also, the outdoor components can accumulate rust, endure wear and tear, and leak. A broken Schrader HVAC valve could also cause refrigerant to leak.
How to Fix an AC Freon Leak
Photo: Eakrin / Adobe Stock
As we’ve mentioned, exposure to refrigerants can cause a lot of health issues and even be fatal. For this reason, call a local AC repair pro to deal with refrigerant leaks.
When you hire a professional to fix an AC leak, they’ll start by inspecting your AC unit to figure out what’s causing the leak. Depending on what they find, they may need to:
Fix or replace the Schrader valve
Replace the evaporator coil
Install a new air conditioner
How to Prevent AC Refrigerant Leaks
Normal wear and tear is often to blame for refrigerant leaks. While you can’t prevent these types of leaks, you can be proactive with AC maintenance to identify and fix issues before they turn into bigger, more expensive problems. Here are some of our top AC maintenance tips:
Replace your air filter at least once per season
Schedule annual AC servicing
Clean your AC coils every year
How Much Does It Cost to Repair an AC Freon Leak?
On average, repairing an AC freon leak costs between $250 and $1,600. However, if the leak is severe and has caused major damage inside your AC unit, you may need a new air conditioner. Replacing an AC costs $3,900 to $8,000.
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