Are you wondering if your air conditioner has a refrigerant leak? A refrigerant leak may not seem like a big problem at first. However, it compromises the performance of your air conditioner leading to issues like longer cooling cycles, short cycling, poor temperature control, and more.
Inhaling the coolant can also have a number of side effects on your health and making direct contact with it can be even more harmful. It can cause dizziness, frostbite, and chemical burns.
Fortunately, there are several ways that we can help you identify if your AC has a refrigerant leak. Knowing these signs and symptoms can help you determine if your AC is malfunctioning so you can call for repairs ASAP.
How Do You Know If You Have a Refrigerant Leak?
If you have an HVAC in Livingston, MT and you are experiencing one or more of the following problems, there’s a strong chance you are dealing with a refrigerant leak:
1. High Energy Bills
One of the biggest signs of a refrigerant leak is that it can cause your energy bills to go up. When the cooling system of your AC is not operating properly, it forces your air conditioner to put in more effort. This inefficiency can lead to an increase in your utility bills.
We recommend comparing your old bills with your new ones and keeping an eye out for any major changes. If you see your energy costs go up for no real reason, then you may need to call in a professional and get your unit inspected for a potential leak.
2. Longer Cooling Cycles
Refrigerant plays a vital role in the cooling process. It absorbs the heat present inside your home and releases it outside. If your AC has a refrigerant leak and the refrigerant levels have depleted, it will take a longer time to cool your home.
3. Emitting Hissing Noises
Another common symptom of a refrigerant leak is that you will hear hissing noises. These sounds are caused due to any holes or cracks that have appeared in the coils that help move the refrigerant. Hissing means you are literally hearing refrigerant escape your system. If you hear such sounds from the outdoor unit, you might have a leak on your hands and should get it inspected for problems.
4. Short Cycling
Short cycling occurs when your AC gets stuck in the start-up cycle. It can turn on and off quickly and does not complete a full cooling cycle. There are a number of reasons behind short cycling, one of them being a refrigerant leak. Low levels of refrigerant can prevent the AC from running a full cooling cycle and you can end up with a malfunctioning unit.
Schedule AC Repair Today
A refrigerant leak can create a host of problems in your AC unit, forcing it to work harder and use more energy. If you suspect your AC isn’t functioning properly and you might be dealing with a leak, reach out to Ambient Air Solutions today.
Simplifying Heating and Cooling, Ambient Air Solution offers highly reliable HVAC repairs in Livingston and the surrounding areas. Call us today and let us help you out!
