Common Causes of AC Refrigerant Leaks: Signs, Causes, & Solutions

AC refrigerant leaks are a common but critical issue that can lead to serious problems for your air conditioning system, your home comfort, and even your health. As licensed and certified HVAC professionals serving Boca Raton and the surrounding communities, Friendly A/C is here to shed light on the root causes of AC refrigerant leaks, how to identify them, and most importantly, what to do about them.

Understanding AC Refrigerant Leaks: Why It Matters

Your air conditioning system relies on refrigerant to absorb heat from indoor air and release it outside, keeping your home cool and comfortable. When your system develops a refrigerant leak, it cannot perform this essential function efficiently.

Left unaddressed, AC refrigerant leaks can lead to:

• Reduced cooling performance

• Increased energy bills

• Costly compressor damage

• Health hazards from refrigerant exposure

• Environmental harm due to greenhouse gas emissions

What Causes AC Refrigerant Leaks?

There are several factors that can cause your air conditioning system to develop refrigerant leaks. Understanding these causes can help you take proactive steps to prevent them.

1. Corrosion of Metal Components

Over time, formic acid or formaldehyde in the air can corrode copper tubing in the evaporator coil or line sets. This corrosion creates tiny holes that leak refrigerant slowly and silently.

2. Factory Defects or Poor Workmanship

If your unit was improperly manufactured or installed with subpar welding or brazing, leaks could occur at connection points and seams. Even new units can have vulnerabilities if not installed correctly.

3. Vibration and Wear Over Time

As your system operates, it naturally vibrates. Over the years of use, these vibrations can cause joints and connections to weaken or crack, especially in older units.

4. Accidental Damage

Refrigerant lines can be accidentally punctured or bent during home renovations, landscaping work, or by pests like rodents chewing through insulation and tubing.

5. Leaking Schrader Valves or Capillary Tubes

Schrader valves regulate refrigerant pressure, but faulty or damaged valves can allow refrigerant to escape. Similarly, damaged capillary tubes can compromise the flow and cause leaks.

Ways to Find a Refrigerant Leak

Detecting refrigerant leaks can be challenging, but HVAC professionals use a variety of proven methods to pinpoint the issue accurately.

1. Visual Inspection

Trained technicians will begin with a detailed visual inspection, looking for signs of oil residue on refrigerant lines or coils, which can indicate a leak.

2. Electronic Leak Detectors

These specialized tools sense halogenated refrigerants in the air and sound an alert when a leak is detected. They are highly accurate and non-invasive.

3. UV Dye Testing

A UV-reactive dye is injected into the refrigerant line. If there’s a leak, the dye will escape with the refrigerant, making it visible under UV light.

4. Soap Bubble Method

While more old-fashioned, applying soapy water to suspected areas and watching for bubbles can still be an effective way to spot small leaks.

5. Nitrogen Pressure Testing

Technicians pressurize the system with nitrogen and listen for escaping gas. It’s especially useful in locating hard-to-find or multiple leaks.

Signs Your AC Has a Refrigerant Leak

Catching an AC refrigerant leak early can prevent costly repairs. Watch for these warning signs:

• Warm air is blowing from vents despite the thermostat setting

• Increased energy bills without a change in usage

• Hissing or bubbling sounds near the AC unit

• Frozen evaporator coils

• Unusual humidity levels inside the home

• Longer cooling cycles or an AC that runs constantly

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to call the professionals at Friendly A/C.

Why AC Refrigerant Leaks Are Dangerous

Ignoring refrigerant leaks can have far-reaching consequences beyond just home comfort.

Health Risks

Refrigerant exposure can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, and even respiratory issues, especially in enclosed spaces. Prolonged exposure may also impact the central nervous system.

Environmental Damage

Many refrigerants are greenhouse gases. When released into the atmosphere, they contribute to ozone depletion and climate change. Responsible leak detection and repair help protect the environment.

System Damage and Costs

A system low on refrigerant works harder, which strains the compressor, one of the most expensive components to replace. Delaying repairs can turn a small fix into a full system replacement.

Voided Warranties

Running your AC with low refrigerant may violate manufacturer warranties. Addressing leaks promptly protects your investment.

Solutions for AC Refrigerant Leaks

The good news? AC refrigerant leaks can be resolved—safely and effectively—when handled by trained HVAC professionals like Friendly A/C.

1. Leak Repair

Depending on the location and size of the leak, our certified technicians will either seal it or replace the damaged component.

2. Refrigerant Recharge

Once the leak is fixed, we recharge the system with the correct type and amount of refrigerant to restore proper cooling.

3. Component Replacement

In cases of extensive corrosion or multiple leaks, replacing major components like the evaporator coil or refrigerant lines may be necessary.

4. Preventive Maintenance

Regular maintenance helps catch early signs of corrosion or wear. Friendly A/C offers scheduled service plans to keep your system leak-free.

Preventing Future AC Refrigerant Leaks

Investing in preventive care is the most effective way to avoid refrigerant leaks in the future.

• Schedule annual HVAC inspections to catch wear before it becomes a leak

• Change filters regularly to reduce system strain

• Keep coils clean to prevent corrosion

• Ensure proper system installation and use only licensed professionals

Why Choose Friendly A/C for AC Refrigerant Leak Repairs?

At Friendly A/C, we bring over 20 years of experience serving the Boca Raton community. Our family-owned business is known for quality work, transparent pricing, and honest service. We are:

• Fully licensed and certified

• Experts in refrigerant leak detection and repair

• Equipped with the latest tools and technology

• Committed to your comfort, safety, and satisfaction

When it comes to AC refrigerant leaks, don’t gamble with your comfort or safety. Let the experts at Friendly A/C provide the professional service you deserve.

Don’t Wait, Fix Your AC Refrigerant Leak Today

If your AC isn’t cooling as it used to, or if you suspect a refrigerant leak, now is the time to take action. Ignoring the problem could mean higher bills, costly damage, and health risks.

Contact Friendly A/C today to schedule a leak inspection and repair. Our expert technicians will get your system running safely and efficiently again, so you can stay cool and comfortable all year long.