Are you looking for air conditioner Freon leak repair?
You are not alone; many homeowners face this issue, it is one of the popular air conditioning services.
It is one of the major causes behind the malfunctioning of air conditioners.
If you have a refrigerant leak from your air conditioning system, you must act quickly. Air conditioner leaking Freon can escalate very fast; you do not want the issue damaging the machinery of your cooling system.
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So, what do you do if you have a Freon leak?
Can I fix a Freon leak myself, or do I need to call for professional HVAC services?
Proceed to find out all you need to know about air conditioners leaking Freon and how to solve the issue.
Signs That Your Refrigerant is Leaking
It is not always straightforward to diagnose Freon leaks. This makes it difficult for people to know when to call for repairs heating & cooling repair service.
However, if you put a keen eye, there are some clear telltale signs that your HVAC system has Freon leaks.
If you notice any of these malfunctioning signs below, chances are high you have to start looking for how to solve Freon leaks.
A Complete Lack Of Cool Air
If the Freon leak is out of hand, you will realize that the system is not cooling the house. If you put your hand against the system, you may find that it is blowing warm air.
Higher Utility Bills
If your air conditioning unit is leaking, it is automatically less efficient.
With the leaks, the unit will have to work several times harder to cool your house, an affair that consumes more power.
It is a clear red flag if your monthly bills keep going up for no apparent reason.
You must call for Freon repair immediately, or the bills will keep soaring.
Longer Cooling Time
If your AC unit is taking longer than usual to cool the house, it is due to the inadequate refrigerant in the system.
The refrigerant does not run out or reduce unless it is leaking out.
If it takes a long time to feel the cool air, you have all the reasons to worry.
Increased Humidity
Other than cooling the house, your air conditioning units reduce humidity levels in the house.
If you discover that the humidity levels have been remaining high, your AC may be leaking.
Hissing Sounds
If you hear hissing sounds, that is refrigerant escaping through the cracks, gaps and holes on the evaporator coil.
The hissing sound is not usually so loud, so you must listen keenly to catch it.
With the hissing sound, please do not waste time trying to fix it; it may not work. Contact us at Santa Clarita AC repair for cooling of Freon leak fixing.
Frozen Coils
As the refrigerant leaks out of your air conditioner, it will freeze the evaporator coils. This is because the condensation that usually runs off these coils into the condensate drain pipe will freeze.
Sometimes, the frozen coils may be accompanied by a buzzing noise from the AC.
If you spot ice accumulating on the coils, call a professional or a commercial AC company for commercial buildings.
What Causes AC Refrigerant Leaks?
As we have stated, you cannot experience low refrigerant levels unless you have refrigerant leaks.
It is not something that happens every other day, but it does.
If you are wondering what causes it, here are some of the reasons:
- Poor installation: during installation, all components must be secured or tightened well. If not, the Freon may leak out. This is why it is advisable to get good AC installation services from the word go.
- Factory defects: Errors happen in manufacturing machines, including air conditioners. This can be rare due to quality standards, but it still happens. This is one of the reasons you have to get a machine with great warranty policies.
- Metal erosion: Erosion of the metallic parts of the AC system will happen over time. With this erosion comes holes that let refrigerants out.
- Wear and tear of the air conditioner unit: After years of use, the rubber seals on the valves will start giving out. The outdoor unit may also accumulate rust, an aspect that will eventually result in leaks.
When It’s Best to Replace AC Unit or Repair A Refrigerant Leak
As we have seen, refrigerant leaks typically happen due to wear and tear after years of using your air conditioning unit.
When your AC is old, it may raise the dilemma of whether to replace or repair the unit.
With older systems, performing a refrigerant repair is expensive. Instead of paying outrageous prices, you are better off going for a new system that will not give you issues for a long time.
Note: The old Freon (R 22) used in older HVAC units was phased out in 2010(1). This made the remaining stock in the market rare to find and expensive to buy.
Other than the age of the AC, you also want to look at the type of Freon leak you have. Sometimes, all you have to do is to use Leak Freeze or tighten the part where the leak was happening from.
Using a leak sealant is a temporary solution that may last just a month. Therefore, it is up to you to decide whether you wish to keep refilling the system and sealing it or get a new system with no issues.
Remember, properly fixing refrigerant leaks often exceeds 1/3 of the cost of a new AC unit.
Have a reliable HVAC service and know whether to replace or repair your AC unit following a refrigerant leak.
How is Freon Leak Fixed?
There are three main ways to fix Freon leaks:
- Replacing the cracked coils,
- Recharging the unit with Freon or refrigerant,
- Fixing the holes and cracks on the system that let out the refrigerant.
Some HVAC technicians recommend just refilling the system with refrigerant. This is, however, just a temporary fix. Suppose you have no adequate budget for a long-term fix; go for this band-aid fix. Careful, though; it may end up being more expensive. This is because the refrigerant leak will still leak out; remember, you have not fixed the avenues through which the leak happens.
If you can afford it, we recommend that you replace the AC coils or perform an entire AC condenser repair.
Refilling the system, fixing all the cracks and getting new coils will permanently fix the Freon leak issue. You will eventually have to go this way.
Feel free to contact us for AC Freon repair. We will take you through the possible options, both long-term and short-term.
What Should You Do if You Suspect an AC Refrigerant Leak?
If your air conditioning unit uses Freon as its refrigerant, do not wait until the leak is out of hand. If you notice any signs, call an HVAC contractor immediately.
Remember that Freon is tasteless and odorless. If you are not keen, you may not know that it is leaking out of the system. This makes it even more dangerous.
If you inhale Freon, it can reduce oxygen levels in your lungs and cells.
There are cases of people intentionally inhaling refrigerants to get high. It can result in fatalities and other conditions such as:
- difficulty breathing,
- fluid build-up in the lungs,
- sudden death,
- damage to organs.
These conditions are often caused by inhaling high concentrations of Freon. Therefore, you have to move quickly and get a professional AC repair if you suspect any issues.
Low concentration often causes mild symptoms, but better be safe than sorry.
Can I perform AC Refrigerant Repair Myself?
There are several steps you can do to fix a malfunctioning air conditioning unit.
However, if it is fixing a refrigerant leak, you have to call for a professional. Here is why:
- Fixing an AC leak calls for professional knowledge in the HVAC field. With professional analysis of the air conditioning system, it will be easy to determine where the leak is. You also need professional knowledge to determine the best way to fix the refrigerant leak.
- You need special tools to help determine where exactly the line is leaking. It becomes difficult to point out the cracks and holes on the refrigerant lines if you do not have the specialized tools.
- Freon is harmful. Handling it yourself can harm you. It can result in a severe issue. Let professionals with the proper knowledge and experience handle it.
- Get a long-lasting solution: Some HVAC technicians recommend a shortcut which is just recharging the system. This shortcut will work for a few days, but you will get stuck in an unending cycle. You will also put yourself in continuous exposure to Freon. Get a reliable HVAC contractor and enjoy a safe long-term solution for you and your family.
We are a Santa Clarita AC installation company that can help you solve this and other issues facing your HVAC system.
Air Conditioner Freon Leak Repair Frequently Asked Questions
Freon repair from your AC is different from other AC repairs. It is typically delicate and needs a keen and professional eye to do it. We, therefore, respond to some FAQs to help you get the best AC repair service.
How do you fix a Freon leak in an air conditioner?
An HVAC technician will perform one or several of the following on a Freon leaking AC:
- recharge the system with Freon,
- tighten the loose parts through which Freon leaks out,
- replace the condenser coils,
- seal the holes and cracks on the refrigerant lines through which the gas escapes.
How much does fixing a Freon leak in an air conditioner cost?
Getting Freon can cost you $150-$200 per pound. A refill can cost you up to $500. However, this will depend on the size of your unit too. Larger units will need more Freon and will cost more in labor costs.
If you seal the holes on the refrigerant line or would like to fix the cracks on the compressor, prepare to get an average of $1500.
Can a Freon Leak in AC be Fixed?
Yes, you can get a professional Freon leak fix. It may seem a little more delicate, but it can be fixed. If you suspect you have a refrigerant leak, contact your HVAC technician, analyze the possible options and have your system fixed.
Is a Freon leak worth fixing?
It depends on several factors. Sometimes it is worth it; sometimes, it is not.
If your system is old, you better get a new one instead of spending $2000 on Freon fixing.
However, get that repair if your system is new (new systems experience leaks too due to poor installation).
Final Words on Air Conditioner Freon Leak Repair
Freon leaks are one of the problems facing AC units. Despite being a significant problem, solving it is not always straightforward. Your HVAC technician has to be on-site to fix the leaks for you.
If you notice any signs of AC leaking Freon, call for help immediately. The faster you repair it, the better your health and the good for your air conditioner and pocket. Feel free to contact us to schedule AC unit Freon leak repair.
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