It’s never a good sign when an appliance starts leaking. Seeing water seeping out from under the sink or the refrigerator can inspire an unsettling feeling as we wonder if we are facing a minor repair or a massive cost. But leaks aren’t relegated to our plumbing – air conditioners can also have leaks. But in the case of an HVAC unit, leaking refrigerant could signal a problem that needs immediate attention.
Refrigerant is essential to your air conditioning system. Without refrigerant, your a/c unit is nothing more than an oversized fan. You’ve invested a lot in your air conditioning system and deserve to relax in the cool, crisp air. There is no need to settle for any less than a well-functioning unit. If the system is leaking refrigerant, the equipment is not running as efficiently as it could – and you are sacrificing both money and comfort.
How Refrigerant Works in Your Air Conditioner
Refrigerant is essential for any well-functioning A/C unit. The fluid acts as a heat transfer medium, meaning that your air conditioner will evaporate the refrigerant and transform it into a gas, which in turn absorbs heat. The gas then travels out of the house and is condensed to dissipate that heat once outside.
Many people mistakenly refer to refrigerant as a type of fuel, but your a/c unit does not need anything other than electricity to operate. Therefore, refrigerant is not a fuel, and it does not get consumed. If you are experiencing a refrigerant leak, it means you have an issue with your air conditioning system.
Just as water leaking out from under the sink is a sure sign of trouble, a leaking refrigerant line is not good news – although it is not necessarily uncommon. Routine usage and normal wear and tear over several years can result in any air conditioner developing a refrigerant leak. Most experts agree that although it is almost certain that your air conditioning system will experience a refrigerant leak at some point in its lifespan, how quickly you respond to that leak is what will make the difference.
When your air conditioner is leaking refrigerant, it doesn’t have the capacity to cool the home as effectively as it should. This compels the system to work harder and for more extended periods, increasing wear and tear and stress on the system. This extra work can damage the system and cause even more issues, such as a frozen evaporator coil or short cycling. Therefore homeowners must discover the problem and fix it as soon as possible.
Repairing a Refrigerant Leak
A refrigerant leak is not a DIY repair – you need to hire a professional A/C service technician to fix the leaking line. A reputable air conditioning service company can provide someone with the appropriate training and tools to locate the leak, fix it appropriately, and recharge your refrigerant level. Your A/C’s performance relies on it having the exact refrigerant level to work optimally – and a professional air conditioner tech will have the knowledge needed to fix the unit.
Expert Repairs and Exceptional Service
Whether you need an A/C system repair or have questions regarding replacement and installation, you can count on Ocean Air’s well-trained technicians to provide the expertise you need. We are committed to transparent, honest, and skilled A/C service from Venice to Sun City. Don’t wait until you experience an issue – call Ocean Air today to schedule a tune-up for your HVAC system.