If you have a leak in your car engine, you’ll want to have it addressed quickly. The same should apply to a leak in your air conditioner. But there is a chance that you may be surprised to find a leak in your air conditioner at all. What can be leaking from your system? Common issues that lead to AC repairs include clogged air filters and refrigerant leaks, which can significantly impact the system’s performance.
Our company offers comprehensive air conditioning services, including installation, repair, and maintenance for all types of cooling systems. Emergency AC repair services are available 24/7 in Atlanta, ensuring that you can get help whenever you need it most.
The biggest issue that a leak can indicate is a leak in your refrigerant line. This is more than an inconvenience, this is a big problem for your AC that will only get worse the longer it goes on. Poor airflow and dirty or clogged filters are also common symptoms of AC problems that require professional attention.
Here is what you need to know about refrigerant leaks so you know when to schedule AC repair in Lawrenceville, GA. We also provide cooling services and repair services in Atlanta and the surrounding areas.
Refrigerant is required for your AC
An air conditioner is only able to provide cool air because it uses refrigerant. By circulating refrigerant, heat in the air in your home is removed and released outside of your home. This creates the cool air you need. Refrigerant is a critical component in all HVAC systems and cooling systems, ensuring efficient temperature control in homes and businesses.
Without refrigerant, your AC wouldn’t be much more than a whole-house fan.
Signs of Low Refrigerant
Low refrigerant levels can have a major impact on the performance and energy efficiency of your air conditioning system. Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner in Metro Atlanta, knowing the warning signs of low refrigerant can help you avoid costly repairs and keep your air conditioner running smoothly all season long. Here are some of the most common indicators that your air conditioning system may need refrigerant leak repair:
- Warm Air from Vents: If your air conditioner is blowing warm air instead of cool air, it’s often a sign that refrigerant levels are too low for the system to effectively cool your space. This can make it difficult to maintain your desired temperature, especially during the hottest days in Atlanta.
- Rising Energy Bills: Have you noticed your energy bills creeping up without a clear reason? Low refrigerant forces your air conditioning system to work harder to achieve the same level of comfort, which can drive up your energy costs and reduce overall energy efficiency.
- Reduced Cooling Efficiency: If your air conditioner just isn’t keeping your home or business as cool as it used to, low refrigerant could be to blame. Reduced cooling efficiency means your system is struggling to keep up, which can lead to discomfort and higher utility bills.
- Ice Buildup on Coils: Ice forming on the evaporator coils or refrigerant lines is a classic sign of low refrigerant. When there isn’t enough refrigerant circulating, the coils can get too cold and freeze, which can cause even more damage to your air conditioning system.
- Unusual Hissing Sounds: If you hear a hissing noise coming from your AC unit, it could indicate a refrigerant leak. This sound is caused by refrigerant escaping from the system, and it’s a clear sign that you need professional air conditioning repair.
- Visible Leaks or Oil Spots: Any signs of leakage, such as oil spots around your AC unit or refrigerant lines, should be addressed immediately. Refrigerant leaks not only reduce cooling efficiency but can also lead to more extensive and costly repairs if left untreated.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to contact a trusted air conditioning repair service in Atlanta as soon as possible. Professional technicians can perform a thorough inspection, locate and repair the refrigerant leak, and recharge your system to restore optimal performance and energy efficiency.
Regular maintenance is key to preventing low refrigerant levels and other common air conditioning issues. AC tune-ups extend the lifespan of air conditioning units by addressing potential problems early. Scheduling annual maintenance with a reputable HVAC company helps ensure your air conditioning system is running at peak efficiency, reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns, and can even extend the life of your equipment. Regular maintenance can prevent most HVAC issues, improving performance and efficiency, while also providing peace of mind.
Upgrading to a new, energy-efficient air conditioning system is another smart way to improve cooling efficiency, lower your energy bills, and enjoy reliable operation year after year. High efficiency AC units may cost more upfront, but can lead to long-term savings on energy bills, making them a worthwhile investment. Modern systems offer advanced features and greater energy savings, making them a worthwhile investment for both homeowners and business owners. Additionally, upgrading to a high-efficiency AC unit can qualify homeowners for local rebates and federal tax credits, further enhancing the value of the investment.
By staying alert to the signs of low refrigerant and investing in regular maintenance or timely repairs, you can avoid costly repairs, reduce your energy costs, and enjoy a comfortable indoor environment all year round. Don’t wait for a small issue to turn into a major problem—contact a professional air conditioning repair service in Atlanta today to schedule your maintenance check or repair service, and ask about available financing options and labor warranty for your peace of mind.
Refrigerant doesn’t get used up
Refrigerant isn’t a fuel. It is a transfer medium. This means that your refrigerant level at the time of its installation is all the refrigerant that you should need for the duration of its serviceable lifespan.
With all this said, if your refrigerant does start to decrease, it means that there is a problem in your system–a leak. A properly functioning HVAC system is a closed-loop and should never lose refrigerant under normal operation.
Leaking refrigerant will only cause more problems
Leaking refrigerant is going to be a problem that creates additional problems. Leaking pipes in your home are similar. At the end of the day, the sooner you get any leaking system in your house repaired, the better it will be for everyone!
If your air conditioner is leaking refrigerant, it is going to start negatively affecting your home comfort level. Less refrigerant will make it harder for your air conditioner to cool your home. As the issue worsens, the AC will struggle more and begin to encounter additional issues like short cycling and a frozen evaporator coil. A refrigerant leak can compromise the performance of the entire system, leading to a range of AC issues and cooling issues that impact your comfort and the efficiency of your HVAC setup.
Eventually, if the issue goes on long enough, a refrigerant leak will lead to a full system breakdown, and ignoring leaks can result in costly breakdowns that require extensive repairs or replacement.
You’ll need a professional to address your refrigerant leak
If your system develops a refrigerant leak, you’ll want to make sure the problem is addressed as soon as possible. Watch out for warning signs like reduced cooling and water marks around your indoor units. Additionally, AC units may not turn on due to issues like tripped circuit breakers or dead thermostats, which can complicate the situation further. If you notice these or other warning signs, you’ll want to have a professional come by to handle your air conditioner repairs. Our company offers comprehensive AC repair services, repair services, and AC repairs for both residential and commercial clients in Atlanta GA.
An expert technician can locate your refrigerant leak and patch it effectively. From there they can also provide a refrigerant refill, also known as a recharge. Only a professional knows how to correctly refill your refrigerant supply and get it pressurized properly again.
Getting your refrigerant leak fixed is one of many different repairs you can rely on our team for. Reliable air conditioning repair services provide fast diagnoses and repairs for broken units, ensuring minimal downtime and restoring comfort quickly. The expert technicians on our team are certified and trained to deal with all of your AC repair needs. We are committed to customer satisfaction and have built a reputation for quality AC repair service and services in Atlanta GA.
If you find yourself needing frequent repairs, it may be a sign that your system requires system replacement or even a complete replacement with a new unit. If your AC is over 10-15 years old, consider replacing it for better performance and energy efficiency. Replacing an AC unit can sometimes be more cost-effective in the long run than frequent repairs, saving you money and ensuring reliable performance.
Regular maintenance and timely upgrades can help you avoid costly breakdowns. Take advantage of local rebates when upgrading to a heat pump or heat pumps, and enjoy the efficiency and comfort benefits of central air systems.
When troubleshooting AC issues, always check your air filters, as dirty air filters can cause poor airflow and system malfunctions. AC systems frequently turning on and off may be overworking due to a faulty thermostat or dirty air filters, which can lead to further complications. Addressing repair costs early can help you avoid more expensive issues down the line.
Our technicians are also skilled in electrical repair, including diagnosing problems with circuit breakers and identifying strange noises that may indicate deeper electrical or mechanical issues. A blown fuse or faulty wiring can prevent an air conditioner from turning on, making it essential to address these issues promptly. Strange noises from an AC unit can often point to problems with the fan motor or loose parts, which require prompt attention to prevent further damage.
Bringing Comfort to America, One Home at a Time. Contact American Comfort Heating and Cooling to schedule your service appointment today.
