Is Your AC System Leaking?
As the warmer seasons approach, people use their air conditioning systems more frequently. Homeowners should pay attention to their AC systems and check for leaks. Super Brothers Plumbing recommends homeowners be vigilant and keep an eye out for any signs of a potential leak. If you have any questions or concerns about what an AC system leak looks like, our team can help you identify the issue.
All air conditioners whether it be your AC
unit in your home, car, refrigerator, or freezer use refrigerants to cool warm air and create cold air. HVAC professionals will refer to this refrigerant as an AC coolant and it is critical in producing cold air by circulating through the interior coils of a unit. Refrigerant is constantly circulating inside the AC unit collecting the hot air in your home or car and pushing it out as cool air. A very common name brand you might have heard in the past is Freon and it is a type of refrigerant but not the only one. Often Freon will be said instead of its general name AC coolant.
If you start feeling like your cooling system isn’t cooling as much as it should be
if your refrigerator is making a hissing or jiggling sound (the louder the hiss the bigger the leak is most likely to be), or if your AC system isn’t making any noise at all and it just feels stuffy and humid while your electricity bill spikes in cost, then it is more than likely that you may be experiencing a refrigerant leak. Leaks should not happen often if your AC system is regularly serviced but older systems, defective systems, or improper installations can lead to a leak. Physical damage to the AC pipes or corrosion can be attributed to a leak which is why it is so important to be aware of the surroundings near your AC system. If you have any suspicions at all that there is a leak in your AC systems then turn off the system whether it is your house’s HVAC unit or car then proceed to seek professional help immediately from Super Brothers Plumbing while keeping your distance and ventilating the area.
It’s important to keep in mind that only licensed HVAC
professionals should handle repairing or replacing your HVAC system. Attempting to do this on your own is not recommended. Coolant leaks can be hazardous to your health and pose a risk to the environment. As per the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the use of refrigerants in refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment can result in dangers such as toxicity, flammability, asphyxiation, and physical hazards. Hence, it’s crucial to take appropriate safety precautions, which can only be
done by experts in the field. A coolant leak can be as dangerous as a hazardous chemical leak, causing symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headaches, and irritation to the nose and eyes. That’s why it’s crucial to evacuate the area of possible leakage and wait for licensed professionals to handle the situation.
Regular maintenance of your AC system is highly recommended to prevent leaks or damage. If you need any assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us and speak with a representative from Super Brothers Plumbing. We’ll be happy to provide you with the best possible quote and help.
