- News
- 123 views
Signs for refrigerant leakage from the air conditioner
What are the most common causes of Freon leaks from air conditioning?
One of the most common problems with air conditioning systems is refrigerant leaks. In a well-maintained system, the circulation of coolant is kept constant, and the amount of Freon in the air conditioner does not decrease. But what could be causing the Freon leak?
What causes refrigerant leakage from the air conditioner?
Many people think it's normal for refrigerant to leak over time and need to be replenished, but it's not. If the system doesn't have any gaps for Freon to leak out of, there's no reason for the amount to decrease.
The following things can also cause refrigerant leakage:
- Corrosion of the copper pipe walls
- Factory defects
- Improper installation of the air conditioner
- Loosening of joints or connections over time
- Wear and tear due to use of the appliance, resulting in thinning of the pipe walls
- Vibrations
8 signs of a refrigerant leak
It is important to be informed on how to recognize Freon leakage from the air conditioner. Like this you can take timely measures and save money on serious repairs and even replacing the air conditioner with a new one.
1. High electricity bills
When there is a refrigerant leak, the air conditioner works harder to provide the set temperature. This means that more electricity will be used for the same work. Monitor your electricity bill regularly and if you notice it has risen unusually high, check your appliance.
2. Your air conditioner is slower to heat or cool your home
Although your air conditioner will work hard to make up for the Freon loss and provide the desired air conditioning, it may not. The other possible result is that the actual cooling or heating is much slower than usual.
3. Higher humidity levels
Since the air conditioner will not be efficient enough, it may fail to dehumidify your home sufficiently. As a consequence, you may feel that the air is heavier and breathing is difficult. This is because the humidity in your home is too high.
4. Frozen evaporator coil
If you notice that the evaporator coil is frozen, it could be due to dirty filters or dirty internal parts of the air conditioner. Another thing it could be due to is a refrigerant leak.
When your air conditioner is running, refrigerant is circulated through the evaporator coils, which is used to absorb heat into the system. If this fluid runs low, absorption will not be effective and condensation on the coils will freeze.
If you stop your air conditioner, this ice will begin to melt and you will notice water dripping from the unit. All of this is serious and you shouldn't overlook it as it can damage your air conditioner compressor.
5. Water leaking from the air conditioner
Even if you don't notice the ice on the coil, you will definitely see when water starts dripping from your unit. This is a clear sign that you have a problem with your air conditioner that won't tolerate delay.
6. The air conditioner is not blowing cold air
Another sign of a Freon leak could be the unit's inability to blow cold air. To check if this is the case, place your hand near the vents - if the air isn't cold enough, it's a good idea to call a professional to measure the refrigerant level in the air conditioner.
7. Hissing sounds
When you have a problem with your air conditioning system, you may hear a variety of unusual sounds. If the sound you hear is hissing, it is most likely a sign of leaking Freon. In case the sound is gurgling, it probably means the leak is bigger.
8. Small bubbles in the evaporator coils
A visible sign of a refrigerant leak is the small bubbles that form where the gap is.
Symptoms of Freon poisoning
It's no coincidence that a Freon leak is considered a serious problem for both the appliance and your family. It contains a chemical that is harmful to human health.
With refrigerant poisoning, you may feel dizziness, nausea, difficulty breathing and other signs. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor right away.
What to do if a refrigerant leaks?
If your air conditioning system is leaking refrigerant, it is not enough to simply perform a charge of the substance. It is important to find any leaks and repaired them. Only after then, Freon should b added to the system.
It is good to schedule a professional air conditioner maintenance service before each of the active seasons (summer and winter). Like that the Freon level can be monitored, and you can take timely action.
Keep an eye on our blog for Air Conditioning Systems where you will find more helpful information. You can also see our Fujitsu Airstage offerings on our website and learn how to contact our distributors in your area. Contact our team if you need any advice.
