Is your air conditioner leaking refrigerant?
Is your air conditioner leaking refrigerant? It’s the end of September, summer is still hanging on, and many homeowners in and around NYC and Long Island are still using their air conditioning systems. That means there’s still a chance something can go wrong with it before cool weather finally arrives. In this post we’ll discuss a very common problem — a refrigerant leak — and what you should do if you suspect you have one.
What is refrigerant?
Refrigerant is the main ingredient in your air conditioning system and is responsible for removing heat from your home. Here’s how it works: refrigerant in the system evaporates inside the evaporator coil, allowing heat to be drawn out of the air surrounding the coil. It then travels to the condenser coil where it sheds its heat. This continues until your home reaches the desired temperature.
What are some signs of an air conditioner leaking refrigerant?
- Insufficient cooling: If your air conditioner is constantly blowing warm air, it’s possible that a low refrigerant charge is making it difficult to expel heat from your home.
- Ice on the evaporator coil: When there is insufficient refrigerant in the system, condensation will build up on the evaporator coil and eventually freeze, making it extremely difficult for your system to work properly.
- Hissing sounds: If you hear strange hissing sounds coming from an indoor or outdoor unit, that could mean you are losing refrigerant. Your air conditioner’s refrigerant is under pressure, and as it escapes, it will make a sound similar to that of an air compressor being used.
If you suspect you air conditioner is leaking refrigerant, don’t wait until next season to address the problem. Call a qualified HVAC contractor immediately and have the problem properly diagnosed and fixed.
