AC LEAK

Refrigerant leaks are a common cause of air conditioner failure. Leaking Freon and other refrigerants can prevent an air conditioner from cooling properly. Learn how to locate a refrigerant leak and repair or replace the faulty equipment.

This guide reviews how to find and fix Freon leaks as well as when Freon is legal to use.

 Air Conditioner leaks are a major source of homeowner expense and frustration. These hvac leaks occur when condensation builds up on the evaporator coil then drips onto surrounding insulation, wiring, or walls—causing substantial damage as well as potential safety risks in the home. Leaks can also indicate that your AC is low on refrigerant (a common type of ac refrigerant leak), or your system may be too large for the space it’s cooling. In either case, you could see rising energy bills without an accompanying drop in humidity. Other culprits include air filters that are dirty, clogged drain lines, frozen evaporator coils due to a refrigerant leak (which can also cause issues like a heat pump running constantly, a malfunctioning float switch or broken condensate pump—all of which need to be addressed quickly in order to avoid further costly problems down the line. 

The following are signs of faulty air conditioner performance that can indicate potential Freon leaks:

• Poor cooling performance
• Longer cooling cycles
• Humid indoor air
• Ice on evaporator coils
• Higher utility bills

Clients with any of these issues should have their ACs inspected for refrigerant leaks.

One of the most overt signs of a Freon leak is a sweetish smell comparable to nail polish remover. This may indicate the general location of the leak and where to begin testing.

Oil spots on tubes, joints or near HVAC components may come from the oil in refrigeration coolant which would indicate a leak.

A bubble test is the fastest and easiest method for finding Freon leaks but is more effective on larger leaks than smaller ones. The larger the hole, the more easily the solution will reveal a leak.

• Prepare a solution of soapy water, using about one liter of water and 0.5 teaspoon of dish soap.
• Spray the joints of the refrigerant lines with the solution.
• Look for large bubbles at the joints. Bubbles will indicate a Freon leak.
• Spray the along length of the line if you suspect that exterior damage, such as from a lawn mower, is the source of the leak.

To find more challenging leaks, use a refrigerant leak detector. These tools have electronic sensors that detect the presence of Freon or other refrigerants.

• Turn on the detector.
• Hold the nozzle or probe of the detector to the top of the refrigerant line.
• Run the detector slowly down the length of the line until it signals the presence of refrigerant.

For the most difficult leaks, try a pressure resistance test. This uses compressed gas to reveal punctures in an air conditioning system.

The following are common methods to repair a leak in an AC.

• If an evaporator coil has a minor leak, patch the damaged area.
• If the coil has multiple holes or significant wear, replace the entire coil.
• If the lines that carry the coolant from the condenser to the coil are damaged, replace the line set.
• If the Schrader valve is leaking, repair the valve or replace the rubber seal as needed.
• Reattach flare connections.
• Replace corroded tubing.

Pro Tip: Encourage clients to have their HVAC systems serviced at least once a year, which can reveal problems before they become leaks.

Best practices for preventing an AC leak from occurring

Proper maintenance of your AC unit is essential for avoiding unpleasant surprises secondhand – like an AC leak! Fortunately, there are many best practices to be mindful of that can help avoid the costs and damage caused by an hvac leak. Investing in regular professional maintenance from a qualified technician is one key element, but home owners can also make sure their AC filters are clean and that their unit is free of clogs or foreign objects. Being mindful of how long you are running your AC as well as making sure to check for signs of water puddles or discoloration around AC vents will also help prevent any potential leaks. Taking the necessary steps now to protect against a potential leaky situation down the line is well worth the effort when it comes to keeping your home comfortable without breaking the bank!