Has Your AC Lost its Cool?
During Florida’s sizzling summer months, your air conditioner is your best friend. But what happens when your cooling system no longer keeps its cool? One common culprit is a refrigerant leak. Without enough refrigerant, your AC has to work overtime. This leads to higher bills, less comfort in your home and the potential for system damage to your AC. The good news? Catching a leak early can help!
Here are four signs that your AC might have a refrigerant leak—and what you can do about it.
1. It’s Electric—Higher Power Bills
Did you know the average family spends $2,000 a year on energy bills—with half of that going toward heating and cooling? If you’ve noticed a sudden spike in your energy costs, a refrigerant leak could be to blame. Since refrigerant is responsible for cooling the air, a leak forces your system to run longer to reach the same temperature. More runtime means more energy use—and higher bills. If you notice your electricity costs seem unusually high, it’s time to have a professional check your system for a refrigerant leak.
2. Ice Ice Baby… You Find Ice or Water Around Your Unit
Low refrigerant levels can cause pressure imbalances. These imbalances can freeze up evaporator coils. When the ice on the coils melts, you’ll notice water pooling around your AC unit. Ice on the coils or unexplained water are both red flags. If left unchecked, this can cause a complete system breakdown—and costly repairs. Pro Tip: If you spot ice or water, don’t wait—call an HVAC technician before it gets worse.
3. Hear That? Your AC is Making Unusual Noises
Is your AC hissing or gurgling? Just like with most things—your car, your TV and your body—strange noises are never a good sign. Those odd noises could mean refrigerant is escaping through cracks or holes in the coils. As the leak gets worse, the sounds may become louder or more frequent. Don’t ignore them! If your AC is talking, it’s time to listen and get it checked out—before it starts screaming for help.
4. Take a Break—Your AC Runs Longer Than Usual
Refrigerant is what allows your AC to absorb heat from your home and release it outside. When levels are low, your system can’t cool effectively—so it runs longer to try to keep up.
If your AC seems like it’s always on but never quite gets the job done, a refrigerant leak could be the culprit.
Don’t Wait—Fix That Leak!
If any of the above issues sound familiar, it’s time for a professional! A refrigerant leak is not going to fix itself or simply go away. The longer you wait, the worse it will get. At Bowersox Air Conditioning & Heating, we’ll diagnose the issue and get your AC back to peak performance—keeping you cool and comfortable all year long.
Think a refrigerant leak is making your AC lose its cool? Contact us today to schedule a service check!
About 6% of electric use in the country is for cooling homes and businesses. If you have an AC refrigerant leak, however, your energy bills could rise. It’s important to find a refrigerant leak before it becomes harmful to your health.
Otherwise, direct contact can cause dizziness, frostbite, or chemical burns.
Read on to discover four signs of a refrigerant leak in an AC. If these issues sound familiar, call your Englewood, FL HVAC technician right away!
1. Higher Bills
The majority of families spend $2,000 every year on energy bills. Half of that goes toward keeping a house warm or cool. If you notice a spike in your energy expenses, you may have a leak in your AC.
Refrigerant ensures the functionality of your AC unit. When there’s a leak, the amount of cooling liquid decreases. The unit’s ability to cool your home will decline.
When your AC unit can function normally, it will work twice as hard to push cool air throughout your home. Your utility bill will begin to increase.
Compare last month’s electric bill to your bill from the same time last year. If there’s a huge inconsistency, talk to a local HVAC repair company. An experienced HVAC technician can review your unit to determine if you have a leak.
2. Leaks
Your HVAC unit will lose pressure when the refrigerant level is low. As a result, the coils may freeze. This causes the drain pan to overflow.
When the water melts, excessive water could spill out.
Leaks and puddles of water around the unit indicate a refrigerant leak in an AC.
Keep an eye out for ice on the evaporator coils. When there’s not enough refrigerant, the coils will have trouble absorbing heat. Condensation on the coils can then freeze.
When left unattended, ice on the evaporator coil can result in a complete system breakdown. Instead of minor fixes, you’ll need to pay for more expensive repairs.
Monitor your evaporator periodically. If you notice frozen crystals on the coil, call an HVAC company right away.
3. Strange Sounds
Have you heard a strange hissing sound originating from your HVAC unit? It’s possible there are holes or cracks in the coils that circulate the refrigerant. Refrigerant could start leaking through a hole or crack.
As the crack gets larger, the system will begin to make a louder gurgling sound.
4. Long Cycles
An AC unit’s refrigerant is responsible for absorbing heat from within your home to release it outside. When a refrigerant leak halts this process, levels will become depleted. When the refrigerant becomes too low, it won’t cool your home.
Your unit will run longer as a result. If the unit is pushing itself to function, it could break down.
Repair Your AC Refrigerant Leak
Do these signs of an AC refrigerant leak sound familiar? Call an HVAC technician in Englewood, FL right away. An experienced technician can fix the problem before the unit breaks down.
With help, you can avoid more costly repairs.
Need help with your unit? We’re here to help.
Get in touch with our team at Bowersox Air Conditioning & Heating today.
Schedule an AC Repair
Would you like to schedule a visit with an incredible Englewood AC company? Contact Bowersox Air Conditioning & Heating to speak to our team.
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