Whip your DIY gloves out and get to work
When an AC refrigerant leaks, your AC unit will be less efficient.
A common sign of an AC refrigerant leak is higher-than-usual utility bills.
There are some DIY fixes, but you may have to hire a professional.
Common causes for AC refrigerant leaks include metal erosion and wear and tear.
When your AC refrigerant leaks—a common homeowner issue—the appliance doesn’t work as effectively as it should. A “drip, drip” may sound daunting, but an AC freon leak is a relatively common problem. From troubleshooting tips to warning signs, use this guide to learn how to identify and fix an AC freon leak.
HVACs are one of the most complicated and essential systems in our homes. To avoid further damage or safety risks, always hire a certified HVAC specialist to repair or replace broken parts.
AC refrigerant is a chemical compound used within an air conditioner. The refrigerant’s job is to absorb heat and provide cool air after running through the compressor and evaporator. Essentially, an air conditioner’s ability to cool your home is dependent on the AC refrigerant properly operating.
There are a few common reasons for AC refrigerant or Freon leaks, including:
Improper installment: When certain components and pieces are not secured, your AC may leak.
Metal erosion: Metal erosion causes small holes to form, resulting in refrigerant leaks.
Factory defects: If an AC unit leaves the factory defective, leaks may occur over time.
Wear and tear: The rubber seals on the valve stems of AC units tend to wear out over time which can cause leaks. In addition, the outdoor components may accumulate rust, endure wear and tear, and lead to leaks. A broken Schrader HVAC valve could also cause refrigerant to leak.
When your air conditioning unit is malfunctioning, you may not know how to diagnose the issue. Any one of these warning signs below could warrant a call to the pros.
An AC that leaks is less efficient because it has to work harder to cool your home. This means you’ll probably have higher utility bills. If you’re noticing utility bills that are higher than usual for no apparent reason, this could be a sign of a freon leak.
A less efficient AC unit won’t cool your house as quickly as usual. If you notice a lag in your home’s airflow, it may be a sign that there’s an issue with your refrigerant. Consider consulting an HVAC professional for an inspection if your AC unit seems to take longer than usual to distribute cool air.
Air conditioner units contribute to lowering the humidity levels in your home. If your humidity levels increase or fluctuate drastically, you may have a refrigerant leak.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the ideal indoor humidity level is 30% to 50%, meaning the air contains 30% to 50% of the maximum amount of moisture it can hold.
Over time, metal might erode in your components, causing cracks or holes in the coils. If you notice hissing noises, you could have a leak that needs repair.
If you suspect you have an AC refrigerant leak, first things first, turn off the thermostat. When you keep a spewing AC running, you may cause more damage to the unit and release more refrigerant into your home.
A common cause for AC refrigerant leaks is that the condensate drain line is clogged. This component allows for condensation to escape the AC unit. If water builds up in the element next to the condensate drain line (the condensate drain pan), it can clog and leak over time.
To fix an AC leak, start by locating the condensate drain pipe, usually outside your home. Look for a white or copper pipe near the outdoor unit. Check your owner's manual if you have no luck finding the pipe.
Next, attach a dry or wet vacuum cleaner to the end of the pipe and use it to clean out any blockage.
Still leaking? Try replacing the air conditioner’s filters. You’d be surprised how much debris and dirt accumulate on these filters, block airflow to the evaporator coil, and—you guessed it—cause leaks.
If the leak issue persists, contact a local AC repair pro equipped with the knowledge and tools to diagnose the issue and repair your AC unit. You can expect an AC service to cost between $75 and $200, depending on the type of AC unit and the size.
If there’s a freon leak in your home’s AC unit, it will cause the system to work overtime to cool the house. That issue will result in higher energy bills and it will take much longer for cool air to disperse throughout the home. If your system has a freon leak during the summer, it can make hot days miserable. That’s why it’s important to hire a HVAC professional to resolve a freon leak as quickly as possible.
Unfortunately, a freon leak will persist even when your AC unit is off. The freon in the AC unit is under pressure no matter the status of the system, so it will continue to drip through the leak even when you shut off the entire unit. It will continue to leak freon until it’s completely empty.
There are a few spots in your AC unit that are most susceptible to freon leaks, but they typically originate from the evaporator coil. Since the evaporator is the part of your HVAC system responsible for heating the freon when it’s in use, it’s the first spot to corrode and create a leak. If you spot a freon leak in your evaporator coil, hire a HVAC professional immediately to resolve the issue.
