Your AC Might Be Crying for Help: How to Spot Refrigerant Leaks Before They Ruin Your Summer
When the sweltering heat of a New Jersey summer hits Paramus, your air conditioning system becomes your lifeline to comfort. But what happens when that lifeline starts failing? One of the most common culprits behind AC performance issues is a refrigerant leak, which can cause your air conditioning to blow warm air and leave you sweating in your own home.
Understanding refrigerant leaks isn’t just about comfort—it’s about safety, efficiency, and protecting your investment. Refrigerant is the liquid or gas your AC unit cycles through to remove heat from your home and exchanges it for cool, refreshing air. Pressure levels help refrigerant move around the system: low pressure absorbs the heat from your home, and high pressure is used to release that heat outside.
The Tell-Tale Signs Your AC is Leaking Refrigerant
Unusual Sounds from Your System
A hissing sound from your AC unit is one of the most common signs of a refrigerant leak. Cracks and holes in the parts of your AC system that distribute refrigerant will cause the system to hiss when a cycle is running. A larger leak may produce a gurgling sound. If you’re hearing these sounds coming from your unit, it’s time to take action immediately.
Ice Formation on Your System
One of the most visible warning signs is ice buildup on your evaporator coils. A tell-tale sign of an air conditioner refrigerant leak is the formation of ice on your evaporator coils. When insufficient refrigerant levels circulate through the evaporator coils, the coils will have trouble adequately absorbing heat, which will cause the condensation on the coils to freeze. This might seem counterintuitive—ice in a cooling system—but it’s actually a serious problem that requires immediate attention.
Warm Air Blowing from Vents
If your AC is working, but your home doesn’t feel as cool as it should, a refrigerant leak might be the cause. Leaking refrigerant causes a decrease in pressure and your AC struggles to absorb and expel heat. When you notice lukewarm or warm air coming from your vents, especially when the system is running constantly, this could indicate low refrigerant levels.
Skyrocketing Energy Bills
If your AC is leaking refrigerant, it will work harder to perform basic cooling operations — often to no avail. This will inevitably drive up your energy costs. Homeowners often notice when they get a power bill reflecting the extreme amount of energy their AC was using before they realize there’s a refrigerant leak.
Increased Humidity Levels
Low refrigerant levels affect your AC’s ability to dehumidify the air, so if you notice your home is really humid, it could mean a leak. This is especially noticeable during the hot, sweltering months. Your AC system should naturally remove moisture from the air as it cools, so persistent humidity is a red flag.
Health and Safety Concerns
Refrigerant leaks aren’t just about comfort—they pose serious health risks. Since refrigerant is a chemical substance — often Freon — a significant leak can release fumes into the air. These fumes are especially harmful and should be avoided. These fumes can be harmful to your health. Please seek medical help if you experience these symptoms of refrigerant poisoning: dizziness; shortness of breath; loss of focus or coordination; nausea; difficulty breathing; swelling in the throat or neck; or severe pain in your throat, nose or sinuses.
If you suspect a refrigerant leak, stop running your AC system and call a professional for repair immediately.
What Causes Refrigerant Leaks?
Understanding the root causes can help Paramus residents take preventive measures. As your unit ages, your coils can wear down and develop little holes and cracks. The joints and connections are most prone to damage over time. Furthermore, vibrations in your unit can cause AC refrigerant leaks. To explain, when your unit shakes, the pipes and coils may bang into other parts of the condenser, damaging the line.
For starters, if your AC unit is leaking at less than a year old, this is most often because of factory defects. Luckily, everything should still be under warranty.
Why Professional Diagnosis Matters
To put it simply, figuring that out is tricky. Usually, the layman won’t be able to tell for sure. While homeowners can spot some warning signs, proper diagnosis requires professional expertise and specialized equipment.
When you need reliable ac repair paramus nj, it’s essential to work with experienced technicians who understand both the technical aspects of refrigerant systems and the specific climate challenges of Bergen County. Super Plumbing Heating & Cooling LLC is your main source for HVAC service in Bergen County, New Jersey. We handle everything from urgent AC repair during the summer heat to critical furnace repair in the midst of winter.
Taking Action: What Paramus Residents Should Do
If you notice any combination of these warning signs, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. If your AC system is leaking refrigerant, adding more refrigerant is not a solution. Make sure you contact a qualified technician at WM Henderson to schedule service for your system. Professional repair involves finding and fixing the actual leak, testing the repair, and then properly recharging the system.
That’s why SuperPHC offers emergency HVAC service throughout Bergen County. If your furnace breaks down on a cold night or your AC stops working during a heatwave, our team restores your home comfort as soon as possible.
Remember, your air conditioning system is a significant investment in your home’s comfort and value. By recognizing these warning signs early and taking prompt action, Paramus residents can avoid costly repairs, maintain energy efficiency, and ensure their families stay safe and comfortable throughout the hottest months of the year.
Don’t let a refrigerant leak turn your comfortable home into an uncomfortable ordeal. Stay vigilant for these warning signs, and when in doubt, consult with qualified HVAC professionals who can diagnose and resolve the issue quickly and safely.