Air conditioners are one of the great conveniences of modern life, but they are also complex machines that sometimes break down. One of the most common problems with air conditioners is leaking Freon. This issue is a serious, potentially dangerous problem. So, how do you know if your AC is leaking Freon? And what do you do if it is? Let Service Now! Chatham Comfort Controls guide you to an AC that works properly.

What Causes Freon Leaks?

Some people think air conditioners naturally run out of Freon, but this is untrue. An air conditioner that is low on Freon suffers from a leak caused by punctures in the refrigerant line or cracks in the coils. Possible causes include:

• Normal wear and tear damaging tube walls
• Vibration
• Joints or connections deteriorating with age
• Corrosion of copper tube walls of an indoor coil
• Improper installation of the air conditioner
• Factory defects

Signs of a Freon Leak

Some hints of a Freon leak are more obvious than others. However, catching it early can save you a great deal of money, not to mention the stress of having a malfunctioning air conditioner.

High Electric Bills

An air conditioning unit that is low on Freon will have to work harder to cool your home, using more electricity and showing up as a higher than normal bill. Review past electric bills to determine if your bill has jumped without a corresponding increase in usage.

Air Conditioner Taking Longer to Cool

The job of Freon is to absorb heat from inside your home and vent it outside. If your AC unit is working overtime and still not cooling as quickly as it used to, this may be a sign that there is a Freon leak. The AC will run continuously in an attempt to reach the thermostat setting, but because of the Freon leak, it can’t maintain the temperature.

Increased Humidity Levels

A properly functioning air conditioner should dehumidify your home in about 15 minutes. If you notice an increase in the humidity levels inside your home, this may also be a sign that your air conditioning unit is leaking Freon. The air conditioning unit helps to remove moisture from the air as it cools, so if there is less Freon in the system, there will be less moisture removed. This problem can lead to increased humidity levels in your home.

Frozen Evaporator Coil

Another sign that your air conditioning unit is leaking Freon is a frozen evaporator coil; watch out for ice crystals. You might think that a frozen part on your air conditioner is just a sign that it works exceptionally well, but this is not normal! The evaporator coil is responsible for absorbing heat from the air in your home. If there is not enough Freon in the system, the evaporator coil can become too cold and cause the air conditioner to freeze up. This problem can result in costly repairs, so it is important to regularly check your evaporator coil for signs of icing.

Air Conditioner Leaking Water

Another AC Freon leak symptom to be aware of is water leaking from your air conditioner unit. While it is normal for your AC unit to produce some condensation, excessive moisture can be a sign that there is a Freon leak. This problem is often caused by ice melting off a frozen evaporator coil.  If you notice water pooling around your AC unit or dripping from the ceiling, it is important to contact a professional AC repair technician right away.

Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air

If your AC unit is not blowing cold air, this could be a sign that it is low on Freon. When AC units leak Freon, they cannot adequately cool the air. This issue can lead to warm air blowing into your home, even when the AC unit is turned on.

Hissing Noises Coming from Air Conditioning Unit

Another sign that your AC unit may be leaking Freon is if you hear a hissing noise from the unit. This noise is caused by the Freon escaping from the AC unit through holes or cracks in the coils that circulate Freon. Substantial leaks may make a gurgling sound. If you hear either of these noises, it is important to contact a professional AC repair technician to have the unit checked for a Freon leak.

Low Airflow from AC Unit

If you notice that the airflow from your AC unit is lower than usual, this could be a sign that your AC unit is leaking Freon. When AC units leak Freon, the Freon escapes through holes or cracks in the coils that circulate Freon. This issue causes a low airflow from the air conditioner.

Tiny Bubbles in Evaporator Coil

Another sign that your AC unit may leak Freon is tiny bubbles in the evaporator coil. The evaporator coil is located inside the AC unit and is responsible for absorbing heat from the air. When Freon leaks from the AC unit, it can cause bubbles to form in the evaporator coil.

Signs of Freon Poisoning

If you suspect your AC unit is leaking Freon, it is essential to know the signs of Freon poisoning. Some of the signs of Freon poisoning include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and skin irritation. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

Do You Have Any of These Signs? Call Service Now! Chatham Comfort Controls

If you believe that your AC is leaking Freon, call Service Now! Chatham Comfort Controls. We have over 30 years of experience in heating and cooling in the Chicagoland area. Chatham Comfort Controls is our area’s most trusted HVAC company because our specialists are certified technicians dedicated to customer satisfaction. So don’t put up with a Freon leak making your AC inefficient. Call Service Now! Chatham Comfort Controls today!