4 Signs Your Air Conditioner Could Be Leaking Refrigerant

Your air conditioner isn’t something you spend a lot of time thinking about. You turn it on. You expect cooled air. And if it all works the way it should – out of sight, out of mind.

Yet that might not be the best approach. Unfortunately, air conditioners have a habit of breaking down at the most inopportune time. But that doesn’t happen without warning.

If you pay attention and notice the red flags early, you can avoid costly repair bills, even replacement of your air conditioner, before small problems turn into big ones. You should watch for:

Inefficient cooling throughout your home

When air conditioners leak refrigerant, they must work harder to keep your home cooled the way you desire. If you notice your equipment is running longer to keep your house cooled, or you notice hot and cold spots throughout your home, it might be a sign that your air conditioner is leaking refrigerant.

Humidity inside your home

Your air conditioner works to counter heat and humidity levels inside your home. If your air conditioner continues to run, and you notice condensation on your windows, or feel sticky even when it’s been operating for a long time, it could be a sign of a refrigerant leak.

Your utility bill is rising

When your air conditioner leaks refrigerant, it has to work harder than normal to keep your home cooled. If you’ve noticed a sudden spike in your utility bills without explanation, it could be a sign of a refrigerant leak.

Ice crystals forming on your evaporator coil

It’s important to do a quick check of your equipment periodically throughout the season. A visual glance can alert you to things that might not be right. One of them is ice crystals forming on the evaporator coil. This is a tell-tale sign of a refrigerant leak.

If you’ve found yourself nodding your head to any of the above problems, it’s time to call in a professional immediately. The sooner you catch air conditioner leaks, the better chance you have of saving yourself costly repair bills down the road.