When your air conditioner isn’t cooling like it used to, the cause might be more than just a dirty filter or a thermostat issue. Refrigerant leaks are a common but often ignored problem that can stop your system from working the way it should. During the summer months in Folsom, this issue can quickly turn uncomfortable, especially when indoor temperatures rise and your home doesn’t get the relief you expect from your AC system.
Refrigerant is the substance that helps your AC cool the air inside your home. When there’s a leak, your system has to work harder, and that leads to a drop in performance, higher energy use, and possible damage to internal components over time. Spotting the early signs of a leak can help prevent expensive repairs and help you stay comfortable through the season.
Signs Of A Refrigerant Leak In Your AC System
Refrigerant leaks may not always be obvious. Unlike water, refrigerant doesn’t leave puddles on the floor. It usually escapes in gas form and creates subtle changes in how the AC unit operates. Here are a few signs that something may be wrong:
– Poor cooling performance. If your AC runs but your home isn’t getting any cooler, or if it takes much longer than usual to drop the temperature, this could mean a refrigerant problem.
– Hissing or bubbling sounds. These noises might be heard when the AC is running. They come from refrigerant escaping tiny holes or cracks in the lines.
– Ice on refrigerant lines or coils. Ice buildup is a common response to low refrigerant levels and reduced pressure in the system.
– Higher electricity bills. When refrigerant is low, the system has to work overtime to try to cool your home. This extra effort shows up as increased energy use and costs.
For example, a homeowner in Folsom may notice that one room in their home cools down normally while the rest of the house stays warm. After a quick inspection, they find ice forming on the copper line outside near the AC unit. This can be a clear sign of a refrigerant problem and shouldn’t be ignored. These symptoms often get worse with time if not handled quickly and professionally.
Common Causes Of Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant leaks don’t usually happen overnight. Most of the time, they’re the result of aging parts or earlier issues during installation. Here are the most common reasons a residential system starts to leak refrigerant:
– Wear and tear over time. As systems age, vibrations and use can lead to breakdowns in the protective layers around refrigerant lines.
– Corrosion on coils. The evaporator coils are often made of metal, and over time, they can corrode if exposed to moisture or pollutants in the air, eventually developing small holes.
– Faulty installation. If joints, valves, or connectors weren’t properly sealed when the system was first put in, small leaks can slowly develop.
– Defective parts. Occasionally, manufacturers produce coils or lines with weak spots. These may hold up for a while before suddenly failing.
Sometimes a leak might begin as a tiny crack that seems harmless but quickly leads to more major issues. Any one of these problems can make your system less reliable just when you need it the most. Understanding where leaks come from helps homeowners in Folsom know what to ask when speaking with trained professionals. Addressing the root cause often prevents the leak from coming back in the future.
How To Identify A Refrigerant Leak
Finding a refrigerant leak isn’t always possible without the right tools or training, especially since the signs of a leak can overlap with other problems. That’s why the first step in handling refrigerant loss is recognizing the need for a professional inspection. Our professionals use several methods to locate leaks accurately and safely.
One of the most common tools is an electronic leak detector. This handheld device senses refrigerant gas and alerts the technician when it finds a leak. It’s more effective than relying on visual checks alone. Another method involves applying a fluorescent dye to the AC system. If there’s a leak, the dye escapes with the refrigerant and glows under UV light, helping pinpoint the exact spot that needs repair.
Here are a few common ways leaks are confirmed:
– Visual inspection for signs of oil or moisture around joints and fittings
– Use of electronic tools designed to detect escaping refrigerant
– Pressure testing the system by our technicians
– Application of fluorescent dye to track down hard-to-reach leaks
Because tiny leaks can be difficult to spot early, regular system checkups help catch problems before they lead to bigger failures. If any of these signs are showing up in your Folsom home, it’s time to consider an expert inspection before more damage occurs.
Steps To Fix A Refrigerant Leak
Once a leak is located, the priority becomes stopping the refrigerant loss and restoring your AC system to proper working order. It’s important to avoid using the AC once a leak is suspected. Running a system with low refrigerant can damage internal parts, especially the compressor. That repair can be far more costly than addressing a simple leak.
The process of fixing a leak usually includes:
1. Turning off the system to avoid additional damage or safety concerns.
2. Having our technicians assess the extent of the leak and whether the affected part can be repaired.
3. Repairing or replacing damaged sections in the coil, valve, or refrigerant line.
4. Recharging the system with the correct amount of refrigerant, following exact pressure specifications.
5. Running the system and performing another close inspection to make sure the problem is fully resolved.
Sometimes, if the parts are too worn, replacement is the smarter long-term decision. Our professionals look at the condition of the entire unit before making a repair plan. Whether it’s a cracked coil or a worn fitting, leaving any component unrepaired can cause the leak to return. That’s why a full system test is always part of the final step.
Folsom Summers and Timely Repairs Go Hand in Hand
Folsom’s summer heat can put a big strain on home cooling systems. A refrigerant leak that goes unfixed won’t get better on its own. Instead, it usually gets worse as temperatures climb, and the air conditioning unit has to work harder than ever. This can lead to breakdowns when you need cool air the most. Acting early helps avoid more expensive repairs during a peak usage period.
Making refrigerant issues a top priority also prevents long-term strain on the compressor and other connected parts. If left unaddressed, what starts as a small leak could lead to reduced AC lifespan and constant maintenance costs. That’s why catching problems early and fixing them the right way keeps both your system and energy costs in check.
If it’s been a while since your AC unit was checked, or if you’ve spotted signs pointing to a refrigerant issue, scheduling service can get your system back on track before conditions worsen. With warmer days ahead, having reliable AC service in Folsom gives you peace of mind and helps prevent avoidable failures throughout the season.
If your cooling system shows signs of refrigerant leaks and isn’t performing as it should, consider scheduling an AC service in Folsom to have our professionals assess the situation and complete the necessary repairs before further damage occurs. Scotty’s Heating & Air values precision and care in ensuring your AC runs smoothly during Folsom’s warmer days, and we encourage homeowners to act quickly to avoid costly future issues. For a quick estimate or to book a service visit, please contact us today.