A refrigerant leak is a serious problem that requires immediate air conditioning service. The condenser coils in your AC unit carry hot, pressurized refrigerant from the compressor. This movement transfers heat to and from the air (depending on the need) and this is how air conditioners regulate the temperature in your home. During this process, the coils themselves can wear out and sustain small scratches that can escalate into full-blown leaks.
It’s hard to miss the effects of a refrigerant leak, but temptingly easy to put off calling in a professional for repairs. This is a bad idea. Let our HVAC experts at Allison explain some telltale signs of refrigerant problems and why you should never ignore them.
Cooling Failure
The most immediate effect you’ll definitely notice is a marked drop in cooling power from your AC. Even setting the thermostat a couple of degrees lower than normal will usually yield the same or worse temperatures than before. This is a sign that your refrigerant levels are being depleted. Our professionals at Allison Air Conditioning recommend booking an inspection to determine where the leak is and resolve the issue immediately.
Strange Noises
The liquids used in refrigerants typically have extremely low boiling points, which means they can quickly evaporate outside the condenser. As refrigerant leaks, the escaping vapor can cause hissing sounds to come from the air conditioning unit itself. Hissing sounds only occur when the leak is substantial, so it’s important to contact an HVAC professional right away if one occurs.
High Power Bills
Low refrigerant levels mean your HVAC system will consume more power to maintain normal temperatures. This could lead to a gradual increase in your utility bills and more wear and tear on your system.
Keep your refrigerant at optimum levels and your HVAC system running smoothly with the help of our professionals at Allison. We’re your leading HVAC repair, installation and maintenance company. Give us a call at (951) 736-1101 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation and request a free estimate on new installations today. We serve homeowners in Corona and surrounding areas in CA.