Your air conditioner uses refrigerant to absorb heat inside of your home and transfer it outside to cool down the air. While refrigerant is usually perfectly safe, if it leaks out of the lines it can be dangerous. If you suspect a refrigerant leak, you need to schedule AC repair in Windermere, FL sooner rather than later.
Keep reading to learn more about four signs that usually point toward a refrigerant leak in your air conditioner. Then give our team a call to schedule your service right away. You don’t want to leave a refrigerant leak unaddressed, and it’s better to get your AC checked out than to put off service.
1. Refrigerant Leak Sounds
Refrigerant transitions from being a gas to a liquid and back again as it goes between your indoor and outdoor units. Refrigerant leaks can develop in any part of the air conditioner lines. As refrigerant leaks out, it makes sounds according to whether it is in its gas or liquid form. Hearing hissing or bubbling indicates the possibility of a refrigerant leak.
2. Refrigerant Leak Smells
The hissing or bubbling sound may be accompanied by the smell of the chemical as it leaks out – and it can be slightly sweet. Breathing in the fumes is dangerous, so if you think you smell a refrigerant leak you should stay away from it. Turn your AC off and stay away from the leak, taking extra care to keep children and pets away.
3. Lack of Cool Air
Your AC can’t cool down air as much when refrigerant is leaking out. At first, there may not be a big difference in temperature of air output, but air will get warmer as the leaks continues. Less refrigerant means that there isn’t enough ability to absorb heat and transfer it to the outdoor unit. Your AC will continue to operate as normal although it may stay on longer or turn on more frequently.
The unit will be working against low refrigerant, blowing out lukewarm air that simply can’t lower the temperature enough. Your home may feel hot and muggy no matter how low you set the thermostat. Keep in mind that a refrigerant leak will mean air across your entire home is lukewarm. If temperatures across your home are uneven, that’s probably a ductwork issue instead of a refrigerant leak.
4. High Energy Costs
When your AC stays on longer, it uses more energy. Your next utility bill may be significantly higher. If this happens, it’s important to schedule service sooner rather than later. Allowing your AC to continue operating inefficiently will mean a lot more wear and tear, ultimately leading to a shorter lifespan. You shouldn’t have to adjust your thermostat over and over again in an attempt to maintain cooling results.
Are you ready to schedule AC repair in your home? Contact the English Air team today.