6 Common Causes of an Air Conditioner Refrigerant Leak
Your air conditioner relies on refrigerant to cool the air inside your home. The refrigerant runs through a closed system, so if your refrigerant is low, this means there is a leak. Over time, your air conditioner may experience a refrigerant leak, which can cause your system to malfunction and fail to cool your home properly. Here are some of the common causes of air conditioner refrigerant leaks.
1. Age of the Air Conditioner
One of the most common causes of a refrigerant leak is the age of the air conditioner. Over time, the coils and connections inside the system can degrade and become more prone to leaks. This is especially true if you do not have a professional regularly maintain and service your air conditioner.
2. Corrosion
Another common cause of a refrigerant leak is corrosion. Corrosion can occur in the copper tubing and connections that make up the refrigerant lines. This can be caused by exposure to moisture or chemicals, as well as wear and tear over time.
3. Poor Installation
If an HVAC technician improperly installs your air conditioner, it can be more prone to refrigerant leaks. Improper installation can cause the refrigerant lines to become damaged or misaligned, leading to leaks. Click here for more signs of an improperly installed air conditioner.
4. Physical Damage
Physical damage to your air conditioner can also cause refrigerant leaks. This can occur if the unit is hit by a lawnmower or other outdoor equipment, or if debris such as sticks or rocks are thrown into the unit by a storm.
5. Wear and Tear
Like any other mechanical system, wear and tear over time can cause refrigerant leaks in your air conditioner. This can be caused by vibration, temperature changes, and other factors that cause the refrigerant lines to become damaged or worn out.
6. Poor Maintenance
Poor maintenance of your air conditioner can also contribute to refrigerant leaks. If your system is not serviced regularly, the refrigerant lines and connections may become clogged with dirt and debris, which can cause leaks. Additionally, if the system is not properly charged with refrigerant during maintenance, it can cause the system to overwork and potentially develop leaks.
It’s important to get regular AC tune-ups and maintenance to prevent leaks and ensure the unit runs at peak efficiently. If you suspect that your air conditioner has a refrigerant leak, it’s important to contact a professional HVAC technician to diagnose and repair the issue, as refrigerant leaks can be hazardous to your health and the environment.
Grand Home Services in Aurora, Colorado provides AC repair, tune-up, and replacement services throughout the Denver Metro Area. Call us or contact us today!
7 Signs of an Improper Air Conditioner Installation
An improper air conditioner installation can cause a variety of issues that can affect the comfort of your home, efficiency of the unit, and even the unit’s lifespan. Here are some of the most common signs that indicate your air conditioner was improperly installed.
If you suspect an improper AC installation, always contact a second HVAC company to take a look.
1. Poor Cooling Performance
If your air conditioner is not cooling your home properly, it may be a sign of an incorrect refrigerant charge, improper sizing of the unit, or poor installation of the ductwork. The cooling performance of a brand-new AC unit should be significantly better, so if it seems to have gotten worse, get a second opinion as soon as possible.
2. Frequent Breakdowns
If your air conditioner breaks down frequently, it could be a sign of incorrect wiring, improperly sized electrical components, or poor installation of the system itself. Frequent breakdowns equal frequent repairs, making the initial installation a possible scam. Contact a second HVAC tech to inspect the unit.
3. High Energy Bills
Higher energy bills can be the result of an incorrectly sized unit, poorly installed ductwork, or incorrect refrigerant charge. If your energy bills are significantly higher than normal, we suggest getting a second opinion.
4. Uneven Cooling
If some rooms in your home are significantly cooler than others, it may be a sign of poorly installed ductwork or an improperly sized unit. Uneven cooling is a fairly normal problem, but if it is worse after a new AC unit has been installed, it was likely installed incorrectly.
5. Excessive Noise
An excessively loud air conditioner or a unit making strange noises can be the result of improperly installed components, loose connections, or improperly sized ductwork. Loud or excessive noises are not normal and could cause more damage, so it is important to call for a repair as soon as possible. Click here to see what the 5 most common AC noises are and what they mean.
6. Short Cycling
Short cycling—when your air conditioner turns on and off frequently—can be a sign of incorrect sizing of the unit, improperly installed ductwork, or an incorrect refrigerant charge. Short cycling has many other causes, so if this is your only issue, be sure to get your unit checked before assuming an improper installation. Click here for other causes of a short cycling AC unit. Click here for more causes of a short cycling unit.
7. Leaks or Moisture
Leaks or moisture around your air conditioning system can be caused by improperly installed refrigerant lines, ductwork, or drain lines. Leaks are not to be taken lightly, so we suggest calling for an emergency AC repair. Click here for more causes of an AC leak.
When in doubt, always get a second opinion. An improperly installed AC unit will cost you much more in the long run if left running and undiagnosed. Grand Home Services in Aurora, Colorado provides AC repair, tune-up, and replacement services throughout the Denver Metro Area. Call us or contact us today!
