There are several things that can go wrong with your AC system that wind up leaving you hot and uncomfortable during the dog days of summer. One common AC problem is a refrigerant leak. This common problem can be a frustrating one that requires the help of a professional to repair. Whenever you experience a refrigerant leak, it can lead to other problems with your AC if it isn’t taken care of. New Start Heating & Air is here to talk about why refrigerant leaks happen and what can happen when you have a refrigerant leak.

How Does an AC Refrigerant Leak Happen?

Your AC should never need to get the refrigerant refilled because it is found in a closed system. If you are experiencing low refrigerant, it is absolutely a leak that has caused it. Refrigerant leaks happen because the refrigerant is constantly kept at a high pressure within the lines found inside your unit. These high-pressure lines can end up bursting at any given time. As your unit gets older, these lines tend to get weaker and more susceptible to leaking.

Signs of an Air Conditioner Refrigerant Leak

If you are dealing with a refrigerant leak, there are certain signs that will be present and indicate so. It is important to watch for these signs so that you can get your AC fixed as soon as possible.
– Hissing Air Conditioner Sound: Like mentioned above, the refrigerant in your unit is kept in lines at a high pressure. Anytime one of those lines springs a leak, it can cause hissing and bubbling noises to happen. The hissing is usually there because of the gases that are leaking, and bubbling happens when air makes its way into the lines and makes contact with the refrigerant. In any case, if you hear either of these two sounds, refrigerant may be to blame.
– Hot Air Coming Out of Vent: Anything other than cool air coming from your vents when your AC is one is a cause for concern. When the leak first occurs, you may not notice any change in your comfort levels, but as the refrigerant levels get lower, the air coming from your vents will likely get warmer.
– High Energy Bills: If your AC unit is trying to function with less refrigerant than it needs to get the job done, it will be working on overtime. This can leave your system far less efficient, resulting in higher energy bills. If you have noticed that you are paying more and more for your energy each month, you may want to have a professional come and inspect your unit for a refrigerant leak.

AC Inspections, Emergency Repairs, Replacements & More in Douglasville, Newnan, Dallas, Carrollton & West Atlanta Georgia

If you have a refrigerant leak, it doesn’t always mean that you have to replace your entire AC system. When you rely on the experts at New Start Heating & Air to care for your AC system, you can trust that we will help you make the best decisions when it comes to repairing a refrigerant leak or replacing your unit all together. Call us today!