When to Schedule an AC Leak Repair Service

Refrigerant is what enables your AC to absorb heat and cool your home. A coolant leak can cause the system to malfunction and break down. An air conditioner can also leak water. No matter what is leaking from it, the unit needs to be repaired before it’s seriously damaged. Sometimes a leak is barely noticeable. But an air conditioner is good at signaling problems. We’ll look at the common signs of leakage so you know when to schedule an HVAC leak repair service.

Signs of a Refrigerant Leak

A refrigerant leak can originate from the evaporator coil in the air handler, a capillary tube in the condenser unit, or flare fittings where tubing attaches to an AC component. Since your AC requires refrigerant to function properly, the signs of a leak include:

• A Lack of Cooling: Your AC won’t cool the air effectively if it’s low on refrigerant. There will be less to transfer heat away. A dirty filter can prevent an AC from cooling, but if this isn’t the issue, have the unit inspected for a leak.

• Prolonged Cooling Cycles: An air conditioner should cycle in regular intervals, especially when outdoor temperatures don’t change much. But if it’s leaking refrigerant and your home doesn’t get cool enough, it will run longer to compensate. 

• Hissing Sounds from the Indoor Unit: A small leak can emit a hissing sound as refrigerant escapes tiny holes and cracks. If the sound is more like bubbling, a larger leak is likely.

• Increased Indoor Humidity: The heat exchange process removes moisture from the air. But if your AC unit isn’t working effectively, its ability to remove humidity will be restricted, increasing dampness and possibly leading to mold growth.

• Frozen Evaporator Coils: When the system can’t absorb heat, the coils get colder and excess condensation can form and freeze. Ice further restricts heat transfer and can damage and break the coils in extreme cases.

• An Exhaust-Like Odor: AC refrigerant is a chemical substance. If it’s leaking, it will release fumes into the air, so the smell of acetone or a fruity or sulfur-like odor may proliferate. 

• A High Electric Bill: A refrigerant leak will make your AC work harder. In the process, it will use more energy, so your electric bill will suddenly go up.

A refrigerant leak is extremely dangerous, aside from the other inconveniences it causes. The fumes are a health hazard. Seek medical help if you suspect a leak and experience dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, loss of focus/coordination, or severe throat, nose, or sinus pain; these are signs of refrigerant poisoning.

Why Your AC May Leak Water

Air conditioners are designed to extract moisture, but a water leak is not a minor issue. It can cause major damage. Professional leak repair services can address the causes of an AC water leak, such as:

• Low Refrigerant Level: If there's less refrigerant, frost and ice can form on the evaporator coil.  Water will then drip onto components below it. If your home isn’t getting cool and you hear telltale sounds of a coolant leak, your AC may need leak repair.
• Clogged Drain Line: A clogged condensate drain line is a common cause of an AC leaking water. Dust, dirt, and mold can block the line, preventing water from draining outside. The condensation backs up and has nowhere to go but into your home.
• Blocked Air Filter: If the filter is dirty enough, it can block the flow of air over the evaporator coil, causing it to get cold and freeze. Melting water can fill the drain pan and cause it to overflow. Change the air filter often to prevent poor airflow, excess wear, and damage.
• Broken Drain Pan: When an AC drain pan appears old, rusted, or cracked, have it replaced by a professional. Even if the unit is still working after 12 to 15 years, the drain pan may have worn out.
• Failed Condensate Pump: If the condensate pump breaks, it won’t pump water outside. A technician can determine if it’s working or not and repair or replace the pump as needed. This will stop water leakage and prevent water damage in your home.

NexGen Provides AC Leak Repair Services

At NexGen, our fully licensed and insured technicians can quickly troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair your AC system if it has a refrigerant or water leak. We are available 24/7 for emergencies. Whether your air conditioner isn’t cooling, won’t drain properly, or has a damaged coil, our team will fix it right the first time and avoid any further hazards or damage. Contact us online or call (833) 729-9735 to schedule AC repair.