Warning Signs of a Refrigerant Leak in Your AC
You may have observed your AC has to run for longer periods of time and still does not cool the house as it once did. Or perhaps there is no rhyme or reason to the way your energy bills are on the rise. Lately, any odd smells or noises from the system?
Such things are all too familiar when you have a refrigerant leak, which is what we at NC Quality Air put right on a daily basis. We have 40 plus years of experience in the Cape Fear Coast to draw on when it comes to identifying and making quick work of these problems. For a check up on your system, (910) 218-9830 is the number to put us on the phone with.
Think of refrigerant as the lifeblood of an air conditioner; without it to take the heat from inside and move it outdoors, your space will not be cooled. A leak means the system can no longer perform that function. And it is not like fuel in a car that gets used up in the course of normal operation, so being low on refrigerant is a sure indication of a leak.
The Significance of a Refrigerant Leak
Beyond the matter of comfort, a leak is hard on the system and invites more costly repairs in the future. Do not let a minor one go unattended or you risk damaging the compressor, not a cheap part to put in.
But if you know what to look for, a refrigerant leak will make its presence known. An early diagnosis will see you through the hot coastal summers in comfort and at less expense.
What to Look Out For
These are the usual indicators of a problem with your AC:
- The temperature set on the thermostat is never reached, or it is a long time in getting there
- Vents are putting out warm air despite the system being on
- No change in AC usage but the bills are higher
- A hissing or bubbling near the unit, a sign of refrigerant getting out
- Ice or frost on the evaporator coil or lines
- A puddle or other moisture you do not expect by the indoor unit
- Short cycling, where the system turns on and off with some frequency
One of these is enough to warrant a closer look. Two or more and you would be well advised to have a professional come out.
Reasons Not to Put It Off
A homeowner might be tempted to bide his time and let the AC sort itself out. It does not work that way. The leak will worsen and the system is forced to put in more effort to compensate, which will show up on your bill and take its toll on the equipment. In a summer heat wave here on the Cape Fear Coast, a lack of cooling is something of a health issue for the elderly, children and pets, not to mention an inconvenience.
Then there is the environment to consider. You do not want a chemical such as refrigerant in the air about your home. Properly tending to it is good for the neighborhood and your family.
NC Quality Air: What Homeowners Tell Us
In over 40 years of business in Wilmington and environs we have earned the trust of our customers. Our record speaks for itself:
- A+ with the Better Business Bureau
- 300 Google reviews and counting from locals who are happy with our service
- 24/7 availability Monday to Sunday
- We cover Wrightsville Beach, Southport, Leland, Hampstead and the rest of the Cape Fear Coast
- Free estimates, so there are no surprises
Our Diamond Plan maintenance membership is another option. It includes biannual cleanings, priority on the schedule and 15% off parts and labor. It is a sound way to nip something like a refrigerant leak in the bud.
Have Your AC Inspected
Do not let the problem fester if you have seen any of the signs mentioned. The quicker we can get to a repair, the better for your wallet and peace of mind. We are available every day around the clock to serve the Cape Fear Coast.
Put us on the line at (910) 218-9830 and we will have your system operating as it ought to.
