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Do You Have an AC Refrigerant Leak?
An AC refrigerant leak can cause serious problems for your home air conditioning system, your wallet, and your comfort. Systems that are chronically overdue on maintenance or neglected often develop refrigerant leaks, but even a well-maintained AC system will eventually leak when it reaches the end of its lifespan, which is typically about 10+ years.What Causes AC Refrigerant Leaks?
The refrigerant lines in your home air conditioning unit are highly pressurized and can degrade over time due to wear-and-tear and environmental factors. If your system starts to leak, it’ll need to be fixed and the refrigerant recharged. This repair can often be avoided by regular HVAC service that detects small problems before they become big problems by using pressure and system tests. Like your car, heating and cooling systems require maintenance to perform effectively. “Can’t I just get it recharged?” you might ask. That’s a temporary fix to a permanent problem. Your system should always be evaluated by a trained pro for repairs of this nature. A proper repair may include dye and seal to locate the leak, and then braising it shut or replacing the pipes or lines before the system can be recharged again. Otherwise, the new refrigerant will simply leak out. It’s also important to know that venting refrigerant from a compromised AC system is illegal because the substances deplete the ozone layer. In fact, the national ban on the R-22 refrigerant used in older AC systems has already begun. No reputable HVAC company should be cutting corners on these repairs. So, when the hot weather strikes, how can you tell if you have an AC refrigerant leak? Here are the six common signs to look out for:AC Refrigerant Leak Sign #1: No Cold Air
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AC Refrigerant Leak Sign #2: Humid Air
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AC Refrigerant Leak Sign #3: Long Cooling Cycles
Is your AC system turning on for longer and longer periods? Does it seem your home is warmer than the temperature you set on your thermostat? If so, this can signify that your AC unit is struggling to keep up with demand due to an AC refrigerant leak. It’s working harder and harder to provide the cool air you’re requesting, which can overwork the system and lead to other failures. Your AC system requires refrigerant to function properly, and constant system stress can compromise the system over time.AC Refrigerant Leak Sign #4: Spending More on Utility Bills
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AC Refrigerant Leak Sign #5: Frozen Evaporator Coils
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- Problems with your fan and/or fan motor.
- Clogged filters.
- Blocked ducts.
- Running your air conditioner when it’s too cool. In New Hampshire, this means it has to be at least 65 degrees or warmer outside.
- Excessive humidity.
- Dirty coils.
AC Refrigerant Leak Sign #6: Hissing or Bubbling
Your home air conditioning unit should never hiss like a snake, so if you hear this sound, give us a call. It usually means you’ve got a sizeable AC refrigerant leak somewhere in your system. A bubbling sound can also mean the same thing.Is an AC Refrigerant Leak Dangerous?
The short answer is that it depends on the amount and time of exposure. According to Healthline, mild exposure is generally harmless, and poisoning is rare except in cases of misuse or exposure in a confined area. To learn more about refrigerant poisoning, we recommend reading the article here.![$50 Off AC or Heating System Repair Coupon](https://choosesanford.com/media/50-off-AC-or-Heating-Repair-Coupon-2022-Sanford-Temperature-Control-copy-1024x763.jpg)
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