Your air conditioner works hard to provide cool air and a comfortable indoor environment throughout the summer in California. But when something goes wrong, such as an air conditioner refrigerant leak, it can disrupt your comfort as well as impact energy costs, health, and system longevity. Learn how refrigerant works, how to spot the signs of leaks, and when to call Fleetwell for expert AC troubleshooting and repair.
How To Tell If Your AC Is Low on Refrigerant
Refrigerant is a chemical compound that circulates through your air conditioning system to extract heat from indoors and release it outdoors. During this process, refrigerant changes between liquid and gas when it’s cold or hot, respectively. This process depends on the appropriate amount of refrigerant at the correct pressure.
Improper installation, poor AC maintenance, or manufacturer defects are among the potential causes of refrigerant leaks. Insufficient refrigerant levels limit the system’s ability to remove heat from and cool your home and strain other AC components. Low levels from leaks consequently impact the overall performance of your AC, as evidenced by various signs. Look for these signs to help detect refrigerant leaks.
High utility bills
If your utility bill spikes month over month during the cooling season without explanation, low refrigerant might be inhibiting your system’s energy efficiency. When refrigerant levels are too low, your AC must run longer and strain to meet your cooling settings. Consistent overuse can result in significant increases in energy consumption and utility bills, even if your household’s cooling usage hasn’t changed.
Longer run times and insufficient cooling
An AC that’s low on refrigerant may run for long periods without effectively cooling your home. In some cases, inefficient ACs can’t reach the set temperature, resulting in prolonged or continuous cycles.
Counterintuitively, low refrigerant may also cause your system to cycle more frequently and in shorter bursts. This results from overworked and overheating components triggering safety shutdown sensors — in other words, your AC shuts down preemptively to avoid damage.
Frozen evaporator coil
When refrigerant pressure is too low, the evaporator coil cannot efficiently absorb heat inside your home. As the coil’s temperature drops, moisture from the air freezes on it. Turning your AC off to thaw the evaporator coil is only a temporary fix — it does not address the underlying refrigerant problem.
High humidity
Beyond cooling, your AC system also removes moisture from the air. When refrigerant is low, the system can’t effectively extract moisture from your indoor air, causing higher humidity levels than normal. If your home feels sticky or clammy despite the AC running, it may signal a refrigerant leak.
Hissing or bubbling sounds
Even if you can’t see it, you may be able to hear a refrigerant leak. Since the refrigerant is pressurized, it creates a hissing or bubbling sound as it escapes through a leak. Hissing sounds indicate a leak when the refrigerant is gaseous while bubbling suggests a liquid-state leak.
What Happens If You Keep Running an AC With a Refrigerant Leak
Many homeowners continue using their AC despite noticing minor performance issues, but refrigerant leaks don’t just impact your comfort. Although they may start as small problems, refrigerant leaks can lead to system damage, high operational costs, and health hazards if left unaddressed.
Compromised comfort
Your system can’t deliver consistent cooling without enough refrigerant to absorb heat. You may experience uncomfortable hot or cold spots throughout your home, longer wait times to cool your home, or system shutdowns during hot weather.
Increased energy bills
Low refrigerant makes your AC work harder to achieve the same level of cooling. High AC output translates to higher energy consumption and utility bills.
Compressor failure
Compressors operate with a specific amount of refrigerant and are sensitive to changes in refrigerant levels. Variations in refrigerant levels may stress the compressor and cause it to overheat, and prolonged operation under these conditions can cause internal damage and costly repairs.
A failed compressor is generally the most expensive component to replace. Many homeowners choose to replace their AC system altogether if the compressor fails.
System damage
When your AC works harder, its components wear out faster and are more prone to damage or failure. An overworked blower fan, for example, may burn out its motor. These issues have a compounding effect, accelerating overall system wear and increasing the risk of a breakdown.
Health risks
Refrigerant is safe within your AC system, but refrigerant leaks are dangerous and may pose health hazards. Exposure to refrigerants, whether through inhalation or skin contact, can have several health consequences, especially in children and other vulnerable individuals.
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Skin irritation
- Eye and throat irritation
- Respiratory problems
- Loss of consciousness
R-22 refrigerants are especially harmful. They are highly flammable and can burn or explode if they contact an ignition source.
Environmental harm
Older refrigerants, such as R-22, are known contributors to ozone depletion when they escape into the atmosphere. Modern refrigerants are significantly less harmful, but leaks and inefficient air conditioning still contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
What To Do If You Suspect a Refrigerant Leak
Refrigerant leaks don’t resolve on their own and may worsen over time. If you experience AC performance problems or notice any warning signs, prompt action is necessary to protect your system and health:
- Turn off your AC: Shut down the AC at the power source to prevent additional system damage and minimize safety hazards.
- Avoid exposure: If you detect chemical odors, feel dizzy, or experience other symptoms of refrigerant exposure, exit the space to avoid further exposure.
- Seek professional help: To ensure safe handling, refrigerant repair requires professional skills and experience. Contact an HVAC technician to assess and repair your system.
Older AC units are more susceptible to leaks and may use banned R-22 refrigerants. If your air conditioner is over 10 years old or experiences recurring refrigerant leaks, upgrading to a modern system may be a safer and more cost-effective long-term decision.
New units are more energy-efficient than worn or outdated models. They use environmentally friendly refrigerants and higher-quality materials to minimize the risk of leaks and other problems. While the upfront cost is higher, upgrading to a high-efficiency unit reduces the likelihood of future leaks and lowers energy consumption.
Stop Refrigerant Leaks — Book Your AC Repair With Fleetwell
Neglected refrigerant leaks can have serious consequences, but professional AC repair protects your system from further damage or health hazards. At Fleetwell, our expert HVAC technicians diagnose and repair refrigerant leaks efficiently and precisely.
Serving Ventura County and nearby communities, Fleetwell is the go-to team for AC repair. Stay cool and worry-free — contact us or schedule online to keep your home safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient all summer.
