AC gas leaks can deteriorate your AC's performance and can even spike up your energy bills. Stick to this blog till the end to understand how you can detect and prevent AC gas leaks!

Suppose you're in the middle of sweltering summers and your air conditioning unit suddenly stops cooling effectively. You did everything possible- from adjusting the temperature and cleaning the air filters, to checking the outdoor unit, but nothing seemed to work.

Adding to the condition, you start noticing an odd smell, a slight hissing sound near the AC unit, or even a sudden spike in your electricity bill. The first thing that comes to your mind – is it a sign of a gas leak.

However, the good news is that you don't need to be an HVAC expert to spot and stop a refrigerant leak early. Just by keeping a check on the warning signs and taking a few preventive measures, you can ensure your air conditioning unit works efficiently. Consulting with an air conditioning repair expert can help identify the problem in the early stage. Keep reading the blog to know how you can detect and prevent AC gas leaks.

How to Detect an AC Gas Leak?

Not sure if your AC is leaking refrigerant. Here are some telltale signs:

  1. Weak Cooling Performance – If your AC isn't cooling the way it used to be, the low refrigerant levels may be due to the leaks.
  2. Hissing or Bubbling Sounds – Refrigerant escapes as a gas, often making a faint hissing noise. If the leak is in the liquid line, you might hear bubbling.
  3. Ice Buildup on the Evaporator Coils – Low refrigerant can cause the coils to freeze, leading to ice formation on the unit.
  4. Higher Energy Bills – A struggling AC has to work harder, consuming more electricity than usual.
  5. Unusual Smell – While refrigerants are generally odourless, some might give off a faint chemical scent when leaking.
  6. Health Symptoms – Feeling dizzy, nauseous, or experiencing shortness of breath? Prolonged exposure to refrigerant fumes can cause these issues.

Causes of AC Gas Leaks

Indeed, air conditioning improves mood, but only when it is working fine. Understanding the root cause of refrigerant leaks can save you from bigger problems down the line. Some common causes of gas leaks include:

  • Corrosion of Copper Tubing – The build up of formic acid can corrode the refrigerant lines, leading to leaks.
  • Improper Installation – An improperly installed AC unit can have gas leaks. Thus, it is wise to hire AC installation experts to prevent such a situation.
  • Factory Defects – Some units come with manufacturing defects that can also lead to refrigerant leaks. Thus, it is recommended to have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a professional HVAC company before you buy an air conditioning unit.
  • Wear and Tear – Over time, AC units may acquire problems. Regular AC repair and AC maintenance services can prevent leak-related problems.
  • Physical Damage – External forces, such as construction work or accidental impact, can damage refrigerant lines. Ensure to hire the right air conditioning repair services to prevent your air conditioning unit from damage.

How to Prevent AC Gas Leaks?

While AC gas leaks can be alarming, they're entirely preventable with regular maintenance and some proactive measures. Regardless of the type of air conditioning unit you have, you can prevent AC gas leaks with below-mentioned tips:

  1. Schedule Routine Maintenance – Get your AC serviced by a professional at least once a year. A technician can spot early signs of leakage and fix them before they worsen.
  2. Check for Corrosion – If you live in a humid area, check your AC's copper tubing for signs of rust and corrosion.
  3. Use Leak Sealants – There are professional-grade sealants that can help fix minor leaks and prevent further damage.
  4. Keep Your AC Clean – Dust and debris buildup can lead to overheating, which may weaken refrigerant lines.
  5. Replace Old or Worn Components – If your AC is over 10 years old, consider replacing vulnerable parts before they fail.
  6. Ensure Proper Installation – Always hire certified professionals for AC installation to avoid future refrigerant leaks caused by loose connections.

Final Thoughts

A refrigerant leak is tough to notice initially, but can soon transform into an expensive and hazardous problem down the line. By following the AC gas leaks prevention tips, you can extend the lifespan of your AC, save on energy costs, and most importantly, keep your home safe and comfortable.

If you're a Calgary resident and are noticing air conditioner leak signs, count on Air Force Heating. Our team will help identify the cause of air conditioner leaks. Other than that, if your air conditioning unit is malfunctioned, we offer expert air conditioner repair services. So, what are you waiting for? Get in touch with us today!

Disclaimer- The information provided in this content is just for educational purposes and is written by a professional writer. Consult us to learn more about HVAC systems.