Why You Shouldn’t Ignore AC Refrigerant Leaks
One of the things that frustrate homeowners is when their air conditioners fail to produce cooled air but consumes a lot of energy. This problem can be caused by a refrigerant leak. Sure, no one wants to pay more than what they have to, but leaking refrigerant is more dangerous than you might think.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is a reputable HVAC company in Maple Grove MN. We are experts at addressing AC units that release refrigerant and securing the safety of our customers.
Overview
The refrigerant is an essential substance that allows your air conditioner to cool your home. It is responsible for cycling through the system, transitioning from liquid to gas, and absorbing then releasing heat outdoors. In household applications, two types of refrigerant are used: R-22 and R-410A. The former has been proven to pose risks to the environment while the latter is considered environment-friendly.
Your AC can leak refrigerant in several ways, one of which is corrosion. Your AC has metal parts that include copper tubes, which can be damaged over time. Once these tubes crack or become weak, they can release refrigerant.
Also, if there are loose connections within your cooling system, refrigerant leak can happen. Wear and tear can cause joints or connections to be rickety and unsteady.
Sometimes, a brand-new AC can leak refrigerant. This can be due to improper installation. Perhaps some parts are incorrectly fitted, leaving gaps that make refrigerant leak possible.
Signs Your AC is Leaking Refrigerant
There are three common indications of this problem, namely, subpar cooling, frozen coils, and excessive energy usage.
First, an inefficient AC produces below-average cooling. When your AC doesn’t have the right refrigerant levels, it will take much longer for your home to cool down, since there is an insufficient amount of the substance that removes the heat. Leaking refrigerants will cause discomfort as your home does not reach your preferred comfort levels.
Second, frozen coils. Your AC is engineered to cool your home, not produce ice. So when it creates ice, you know there’s something wrong with the system. One of the reasons your AC freezes up is because it leaks refrigerant. When your system is in great shape, the coils absorb the heat with the help of the coolant. But without the right refrigerant charge, the coils cannot soak up the heat, causing the system to freeze.
Finally, an air conditioner that leaks coolant is forced to work harder than usual, using more energy in the process. Inevitably, this problem will cause a substantial increase in your electricity bills. Failure to immediately address this issue can lead to more serious problems, including damage to the compressor, which is a very costly component to repair or replace.
Refrigerant Poisoning
When you are exposed to refrigerant, you are inhaling chemicals called “fluorinated hydrocarbons,” which are tasteless and almost odorless gases. When inhaled in high concentrations, refrigerant can cut off the oxygen supply to your cells and lungs. Repeated exposure to this substance can cause different health issues, such as breathing difficulty, organ damage, and sudden death.
In case you have limited exposure, like breathing near an open container, you can still be affected in other ways, such as headache, irritation of the eyes, ears, and throat, nausea, vomiting, cough, dizziness, and chemical burn to your skin. Therefore, do not take this problem lightly but seek professional help immediately.
Environmental Effects
A refrigerant leak does not only impact you financially or physically, but it also affects the environment. When this substance escapes an air conditioner, it can potentially damage the ozone layer, especially if your existing AC is equipped with the now-decommissioned R-22 refrigerant. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, leaking refrigerant travels high about the Earth’s surface and releases chlorine. As the ozone layer continues to get damaged by this harmful chemical, it significantly increases the risk of skin cancer in humans and animals.
Dealing with Refrigerant Leak? Call Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning
If you want to put an end to the dangers of a refrigerant leak in your home, give us a call. Our HVAC experts can detect leaks within your system and apply appropriate solutions. We will make sure your unit has the right refrigerant levels and works as efficiently as possible. We are your trusted Plymouth AC repair company.