An AC’s refrigerant is located within a closed-loop system and plays a crucial role in the heat transfer process that occurs within an air conditioning system. The refrigerant keeps recirculating and should never need to be refilled or topped up. The only situation in which refrigerant levels become low is when the refrigerant is leaking due to some reason. In this post, we discuss AC refrigerant leak repair, a job that’s best handed to a professional HVAC technician, but if you’re confident in your HVAC maintenance skills, may attempt on your own with safety precautions in mind.
In St. Louis, Galmiche & Sons performs all types of AC repair and servicing, including troubleshooting refrigerant leaks and topping up refrigerant when levels are low and affect your AC’s performance. To schedule a service or learn more about how our heating and air conditioning professionals can help, call us at 314-993-1110 or fill out our online form.
Signs of an AC Refrigerant Leak
From your AC freezing up to reduced cooling efficiency and performance, the signs of a leak in your AC refrigerant can vary. Warning signs that your AC is leaking refrigerant include:
- Weak airflow
- Ice on evaporator coils
- Higher energy bills
- Hissing sounds from outdoor AC unit
- AC running constantly without cooling your home to the desired temperature
Call our HVAC technician if you spot any of these issues. We will conduct a thorough inspection, make a correct diagnosis, and carry out AC refrigerant leak repair or a different fix as required.
What Causes AC Refrigerant Leaks?
There are a number of issues that can cause AC refrigerant leaks. If any part of your HVAC system has loose connections, it could result in a refrigerant leak. Tightening or replacing these parts can often solve the problem. Damaged components may also cause leaks. Over time, your AC suffers wear and tear, leading to holes in refrigerant lines or coils, and resulting in leaks.
What Does AC Refrigerant Leak Repair Involve?
The first step in leak repair is to locate and detect the leak in your HVAC system. A common method is using a refrigerant leak detection kit. It contains a dye that you inject into the system. The dye circulates with the refrigerant, allowing you to spot the leak easily with a UV light.
Another method is to check for oily residue along the refrigerant lines or components. The presence of residue indicates refrigerant leakage in that area.
Thereafter, it’s time to carry out AC refrigerant leak repair. Some common methods that our experts use for AC refrigerant leak repair include:
- Use a Refrigerant Leak Repair Kit: The kit, which works for minor leaks, includes a sealant that can be injected into the refrigerant line to seal the leak. Another solution is to use a mechanical patch to seal the leak.
- Replace the Damaged Component: If the leak is severe, then the damaged component, such as the evaporator coil, condenser coil, or another part, will need to be replaced. This is a technical job, which must be performed by an HVAC expert.
Exercise Care During AC Refrigerant Leak Repair
Refrigerant can be hazardous to your health and the environment. Therefore it is important to take care when performing repairs or call the experts. When handling refrigerant, it is important to wear protective gear such as gloves and a mask to avoid coming in contact with it.
Contact Galmiche and Sons for AC Refrigerant Leak Repair
AC refrigerant leaks can be complex problems. If the repair is not done properly, there is a chance that the leak may occur again. When you are not sure how to go about AC repair or don’t want to risk making mistakes that damage your AC, call in our technicians. We have over 70 years of experience repairing air conditioners and restoring cooling efficiency in St. Louis homes.
To request a service or get a free quote for your HVAC maintenance needs, call us at 314-993-1110 or use our contact form online.
