Air conditioning technician of preparing to install new air conditioner.
AC Repair | Electronic Control Failures
March 28, 2018
AC Thermostat Troubleshooting
AC Thermostat Troubleshooting
June 4, 2018

AC Repair | Freon Leaks

Every AC unit needs refrigerant to work properly. When working properly, the ac unit compresses a colorless gas known as freon or R-22. The compression process makes the gas really hot; as it moves through the coils it begins to cool changing to a liquid form. The cooled freon absorbs heat from the outside air and pushes the cool air out resulting in a constant cycle of heat in and cool air out making your home a comfortable temperature.

If this cycle is not working properly odds are the ac unit is not blowing cool air. Refrigerant leaks are often the cause for the change in air flow. Freon is harmful to the ozone and as per the “Clean Air Act of 1990” is slated for a complete ban in 2020. Freon has been replaced with refrigerant 407C which is more environmentally friendly. HVAC systems still have the potential to leak, with the laws in places, the gas emitted is not toxic or harmful to us or the environment.

Now that we have determined what refrigerant flows through our air conditioning systems, let’s look at what we need to do to troubleshoot and repair them. If the AC unit is leaking, one of the first signs is that the air blowing out if the air conditioning unit is warmer than normal. When you call the HVAC technician, they might tell you that your HVAC unit needs more refrigerant. They will then look at sources for the leak.

Most common leak locations in an HVAC system:

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Suction Line or Line Set

this leak occurs at the roof level; culprits can be heavy winds, fallen trees, or construction work. This leak takes time to for the HVAC professional to troubleshoot and repair.
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Capillary Tubs

These can rub creating a hole in one or both. Capillary tubes are difficult to repair because of their size and typically take a little more time.
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Evaporator Coil

An easier to diagnose leak, this can be caused from construction, age, something rubbing, or storms. The HVAC contractor should be able to diagnose this within the first visit.
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Accumulator on a Heat Pump

The accumulator on many heat pumps is made of steel and is prone to rust. The air conditioner fixer simply replaces the accumulator.
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Condenser Coils

Leaks here can be catastrophic to the ac system. These can be caused by rubbing, construction, storms, animals, or debris.
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Solder Joints & Connections

These joints are only as good as the material holding them together. Troubleshooting HVAC system leaks in joints and connections can take the HVAC technician a lot of time and several visits.

When detected early these most of these leaks can be found and repaired. If your HVAC systems is approximately 13 years old, the HVAC service technician may recommend replacing. The average lifespan of air conditioning systems is about 13 years.

Freon Leaks Can Be A Nightmare!

Rainbow Lakes Heating and AC services Citrus, Marion and Levy counties ensuring residents in Dunnellon, Williston, and Beverly Hills and everywhere in between have the best quality HVAC heating repair services available. Warranty options for the air conditioning units vary per manufacturer, but most of them require registration and maintenance by a professional air conditioner fixer like Rainbow Lakes Heating and Air Conditioning.