Freon Leak in AC System: Causes, Signs, and How to Fix It

Temperatures are always rising, here in New Orleans, and the reliance on our air conditioning systems is constantly increasing. One of the most critical aspects to keep an eye out for is a freon leak in your AC system. Understanding the specific causes of these types of leaks, how to identify and diagnose them, and what steps can be taken to save you time and money in the long run.

That’s why today, the Optimum Air Solutions team is equipping you with the knowledge you need to fully comprehend the causes and signs of a freon leak in an AC system and some solutions to remedy the issue.

Let’s dive in!

Understanding Freon and Its Role in AC Systems

If you didn’t know already, freon is the name for a group of refrigerants that are utilized in air conditioning and refrigeration systems. It plays one of the most vital roles in the refrigeration cycle, where it essentially absorbs the heat from your indoor space and releases it outside, which ultimately helps your AC cool your home more effectively.

During your system’s cooling process, Freon will transition between both gas and liquid states, which is what helps to facilitate the heat exchange. You’ll know your air conditioning system is functioning properly if it is maintaining an appropriate level of refrigerant during its operation. On the other hand, if a leak occurs, your system’s ability to cool your home could be negatively impacted.

Causes of a Freon Leak in AC Systems

There are quite a few factors that can contribute to a freon leak in an AC system.

Wear and Tear, over time has a way of making your AC unit’s components straight-up deteriorate. As your air conditioning system continues, the refrigerant lines can crack or develop some weak points, causing a leak. 

Now, this is a gradual degradation, and more often than not, is unavoidable, especially when it comes to older units. If you leave a problem like this unaddressed, you are risking serious performance issues arising. 

Corrosion is another very common culprit. Corrosion is caused by humidity and moisture and really has a negative impact on your refrigerant lines and other components. Corrosion, much like normal wear and tear causes cracks and breaks in the refrigerant lines, lessening the amount of refrigerant that is actually in the system and aiding in operation.

Poor Installation also has the potential to cause refrigerant leaks. If your air conditioning unit isn’t installed the way it should be, you are running the risk of improper connections and some inadequate sealing. Following through with poorly done installations creates vulnerability in the system that can aid in the development of freon leaks. Make sure that a professional is performing your HVAC installation. 

Has your system suffered some physical damage? Physical damage from any given external factor has the propensity to negatively affect your refrigerant lines.  Whether the damage is caused by debris, lawn equipment, or even some severe inclement weather, any instance that allows for holes or cracks to occur in your refrigerant lines could lead to a freon leak in your AC system. 

Signs of a Freon Leak

Recognizing the signs of a freon leak in AC systems is the first crucial step for many to address an issue promptly. One of the more prominent indicators of a freon leak in air conditioning systems is a reduced cooling performance. Once your refrigerant levels start to drop, your system will start to struggle to cool the air in your space.

The next common symptom is ice formation on and around the evaporator coils. Once the refrigerant levels fall, your coils might get too cold and freeze over, ultimately disrupting your cooling process. If you happen to see ice on your system’s coils, you’ve found yourself a clear indication that something in your system is awry, and that problem just might be linked to a freon link in your AC system. 

Furthermore, listen out for any hissing or bubbling sounds that are coming from your air conditioning unit. Those weird noises could be attributed to gas escaping from your system’s refrigerant lines. Unusual sounds are a cause to take immediate action since that is a clear symptom of a leak. 

Lastly, your energy bills. You should never really see a surge in your energy bills without a corresponding increase in usage. If that does happen unexpectedly, it’s a telltale sign that your AC system is working a lot harder than it should be to cool the space. One of the reasons your air conditioner could be working harder is due to a refrigerant leak. A freon leak in AC systems forces your unit to poorly, leading to more expensive energy bills. 

How to Fix a Freon Leak in AC System

Do you suspect a freon link in your AC system? If so, please know that immediate action is necessary. First and foremost, you’ll want to turn off your air conditioning system to mitigate any further damage from happening. If a leak is occurring, your unit is probably running low on refrigerant. That said, continuing to run it would cause additional strain on the compressor that could potentially lead to more expensive repairs. 

Once your system is powered off, establish where the leak is coming from. We realize that some homeowners will try to identify the leak themselves, but it’s important to note that this task is best left up to a professional (like your friendly experts here, at Optimum Air Solutions).

Our technicians utilize a deluge of methods, including electronic leak detectors and UV dye to accurately track refrigerant leaks. Once the leak has been identified, it’s vital that you seek the help of a qualified HVAC technician to repair the system’s leak and recharge its system. Trying to remedy refrigerant issues DIY-style can be more harmful than helpful in the long run. Lucky for you, you can always give the Optimum Air Solutions team a call!

If you want to avoid any future freon leak air conditioner issues, make sure that you are regularly scheduling maintenance checks for your system. When you are able to thoroughly understand the common causes and symptoms of a freon leak in an AC system, you understand the basics of your home’s comfort.

If you find yourself facing any of these problems or need any help with your regular maintenance, get in touch with the Optimum Air Solutions team! We’re your trusted partners in all things HVAC. Click here to get in touch with one of our specialists and schedule a consultation today! We’ll have you breathing easy in the Big Easy in no time!