So you want your house to be cool when guests arrive?
There’s nothing worse than walking into a home filled with sweatpants wearing guests. Your cooling system is designed to keep your family comfortable… but what happens when it starts failing?
Your cooling system suffers refrigerant leaks. This can cause multiple problems around the house.
Here’s the issue…
Unless you’re constantly troubleshooting your cooling system, you might not realize there’s a problem. It often takes a complete breakdown for most homeowners to know anything was wrong.
And when your AC does go out, you’re left scrambling to find air conditioner repairs right in the middle of entertaining season.
Don’t get caught off guard this summer!
There are plenty of signs that can tip you off to potential AC trouble.
Keep reading to learn what those are.
What you’re about to learn:
- What causes Refrigerant Leaks In An Air Conditioner?
- Signs You Need Air Conditioner Refrigerant
- Common Causes of Refrigerant Leaks In Air Conditioners
- What You Can Do To Avoid Refrigerant Leaks Before Guests Arrive
Why Refrigerant Leaks Should Terrify Every Homeowner
If your cooling system runs on it… you better make sure you have enough of it.
That’s how important refrigerant is to your air conditioner. Without it, your system can’t cool your home efficiently. You end up paying more on utility bills, experiencing longer cooling cycles, and just not feeling comfy inside.
According to energy.gov, heating and cooling your home makes up OVER HALF of the average energy usage in a household.
That is HALF of your energy bill. Running!
When leaks occur and your system is low on refrigerant… it’s forcing your cooling system to work harder to keep up. Not only does this wear out your system faster but your wallet too.
Let me tell you what most people don’t know…
There’s a reason most HVAC technicians list refrigerant leaks as the number cause of AC failures.
Tiny refrigerant leaks cause most problems.
A small hole here. A damaged seal there. An ac evap coil leaking from corrosion damage…. Before you know it, your system has dropped enough refrigerant that it can’t keep up with demand.
Industry statistics estimate that HVAC systems lose 3-5% of refrigerant charge every year. That doesn’t sound like a lot until you realize those losses add up over the lifespan of your cooling system.
7 Signs Your Cooling System Needs Attention Before Entertaining Guests
Look for these clues before you invite people over…
It Takes Too Long For Your Home To Cool Down
I know this should be obvious, but your AC should not be struggling to cool your home.
If it runs all day but still feels like a sauna inside, you likely have low refrigerant.
When the refrigerant in your system drops, your air conditioner can’t absorb and remove heat from your home.
The Air Coming From The Vents Isn’t Cold
Stick your hand closest to the vent and see if it feels cold.
If it doesn’t, chances are you have low refrigerant.
Your evaporator coil needs enough refrigerant flow to cool the air blowing into your home.
There’s Ice On The Unit
Okay, this one shocks most people.
Ice buildup means your cooling system has too little refrigerant.
When there’s not enough, the evaporator coil actually freezes up the moisture it tries to remove from your home.
You might notice ice on:
- Refrigerant Lines
- Evaporator Coil
- Outdoor Condenser Unit
Strange Noises When Cooling
Leakages come and go through tiny cracks and holes in your cooling system.
As refrigerant tries to escape, you may hear whistling sounds coming from your indoor unit. Large leaks will create a bubbling or gurgling noise as refrigerant escapes.
Higher Energy Bills
I’ll say it again.
If your cooling system is low on refrigerant, it has to work harder.
And when your system has to work harder, your energy bills skyrocket.
Typical Causes Of Refrigerant Leaks In Cooling Systems
There are many different reasons your system can spring a leak. Here are the most common causes…
Corrosion & Metal Decay
Mother Nature is the number one cause of cooling system refrigerant leaks.
Buildup of formic acid on copper coils will eventually cause holes to develop. Acid erosion occurs slowly, which is why most homeowners don’t realize they have a leak.
Age And Wear
Just like your car, HVAC systems suffer wear and tear too.
Did you know 76% of homeowners have HVAC systems older than 10 years?
As cooling systems get older, rubber seals weaken and connections loosen. Most systems that are over 15 years old begin to develop more than one leak.
Poor Installation
Believe it or not, some AC failures are present day one of installation.
Improper welds on copper tubing create weak spots. Loose fittings and joints will fail over time as refrigerant expands and contracts inside your system.
Vibrations
Air conditioners vibrate as they operate.
Normal vibrations can cause connections to loosen over time. Components held together by soldering are weaker than systems that use brazing.
Manufacturer Defects
I hate to say it, but some units are doomed for failure from the start.
Cheaply made coils or fittings can leak refrigerant as soon as your cooling system is turned on. Defects typically arise within the first two years of operation. They are usually covered under manufacturer warranty.
What You Can Do To Avoid Refrigerant Leaks When You Have Guests
Nobody wants their AC to go out when guests are visiting.
Follow these tips to prevent any A/C failures before your next big event:
- Schedule annual maintenance. Before cooling season begins, have a technician come out and inspect your AC. They can catch small problems before they turn into emergencies.
- Change your air filter regularly. Restricting airflow with a dirty filter forces your system to work harder. Change your filter monthly during peak usage to keep air flowing freely.
- Clean debris away from your outdoor unit. Trim grass away and clear any leaves or debris blocking your condenser unit. Proper airflow prevents overheating.
- Listen for new noises. If you notice hissing, bubbling, or grinding sounds coming from your system, call for service. Don’t ignore what your cooling system is trying to tell you.
- Upgrade your thermostat. A smart thermostat can make a big difference in efficiency and comfort. Install a programmable thermostat to keep tabs on performance.
Research has shown that preventive maintenance plans can reduce HVAC service calls by 31-50% when compared to systems that run until they break down.
Bringing Everything Together
Don’t let your cooling system go out right when you need it the most.
By knowing the signs and common leak causes, you can prevent disaster.
Maintaining your air conditioner properly will keep your home comfortable no matter if you’re hosting 5 guests or 500.
Here’s a quick recap:
- Keep an eye out for warm air, ice buildup, and strange noises
- Remember most leaks are caused by corrosion, age, and bad installation
- Schedule yearly maintenance before cooling season starts
- Don’t ignore increased energy bills
