When the hot days of summer arrive, most people reach for their thermostat to ensure they remain cool and comfortable while indoors. However, if your system isn’t properly maintained and inspected, serious issues may arise.
One such issue is a refrigerant leak. The fact is, the refrigerant in your system is always under a high amount of pressure. Over time, the lines that hold refrigerant will begin to degrade. If the system begins to leak, it will be necessary to have it patched and the refrigerant will have to be recharged for your system to begin effectively cooling your space once again. Depending on how bad the leak was, the recharge process can be quite costly.
This is one of the reasons it is so important to invest in annual system tune-ups. With regular pressure tests and inspections, you will be able to catch issues, such as refrigerant leaks, early on. However, if you get to know the signs of a problem, you can catch a leak in between tune-ups.
Keep reading to learn about the most common signs of a refrigerant leak, which are listed here.
Poor Cooling Power
Have you noticed that your system is unable to keep up with your cooking needs during the hottest hours of the day? If so, then a refrigerant leak may be to blame. It’s a good idea to call for an inspection right away.
Humid Air Inside Your Home
Your air conditioner is designed to dehumidify as it takes warm air from the indoor spaces. When your system has a refrigerant leak, then your AC is not going to be able to properly dehumidify or cool your home.
Longer Than Normal Cooling Cycles
Even though you may not always take notice that your unit has started to lag a few degrees behind the setting on your thermostat, if you notice the sound of air moving through your vents, it is going to make it easier to figure out if your cooling cycles are longer than they should be. Cooling cycles that seem to get longer and longer are another potential sign of a refrigerant leak.
Increased Utility Costs
If you somehow overlook all of the issues described above, then you may be able to notice a red flag when you take a look at your next power bill. The longer cycles and inefficient cooling resulting from low refrigerant may also result in your meter going into overdrive costing you more each month.
Ice on the Evaporator Coils
Perhaps the most obvious sign of a problem is going to be present on your exterior AC unit. If you notice ice crystals on the evaporator coil in the middle of the summer, then it is time to call the pros for assistance.
While there are some situations where a refrigerant leak may sneak up on you, there are some signs and symptoms of this issue you can be aware of. When you are informed, you can take action when a refrigerant leak is present, preventing the issue from getting worse.