When your air conditioner isn’t cooling your home like it used to, a refrigerant leak could be the hidden culprit. Refrigerant is the lifeblood of your AC system—it absorbs heat from inside your home and releases it outside. If your system develops a leak, it loses the very thing it needs to keep you cool.
Unfortunately, refrigerant leaks are not DIY fixes. If you suspect one, it’s essential to call in qualified HVAC professionals—like our expert team—to handle the problem safely and correctly. Do you need AC refrigerant leak repair in Washington, DC? Let’s take a closer look.
Common Signs of a Refrigerant Leak
Wondering if your AC’s refrigerant level might be low? Here are a few telltale signs to watch for:
- 1. Warm Air Instead of Cold: If your AC is blowing lukewarm or room temperature air even though the thermostat is set to cool, it could mean there isn’t enough refrigerant to absorb heat properly.
- 2. Longer Cooling Cycles: Does it feel like your AC runs constantly but never reaches the desired temperature? A refrigerant leak often forces the system to work overtime, putting extra strain on parts and driving up your energy bill.
- 3. Ice on the Evaporator Coil or Refrigerant Lines: Low refrigerant causes the coil to get too cold, freezing the condensation that forms on it. You might see frost or ice buildup on the indoor coil or copper lines near the outdoor unit.
- 4. Hissing or Bubbling Sounds: Refrigerant leaks are sometimes accompanied by unusual noises—like a faint hissing or bubbling—caused by refrigerant escaping through tiny cracks or holes.
- 5. Higher Energy Bills: When your AC struggles to keep up due to a refrigerant leak, it runs longer and harder. The result? A spike in your energy costs without the comfort to show for it.
Why You Should Never DIY a Refrigerant Leak Repair
It might be tempting to buy a refrigerant recharge kit from a hardware store. But adding refrigerant without addressing the source of the leak is only a temporary—and risky—bandage. Here’s why you should always rely on a licensed HVAC technician for this job:
- Refrigerant Can Be Hazardous: Handling refrigerant requires special training and certification. Improper handling can cause injury or environmental harm.
- Finding the Leak Takes Skill: A certified technician uses specialized equipment to locate leaks, repair or replace the damaged component, and ensure your system is properly charged.
- Protect Your Warranty: DIY repairs can void your manufacturer’s warranty and lead to bigger problems down the road.
Our Team is Here to Help
If you think you might have a refrigerant leak, don’t wait—running your system in this condition can damage your compressor, one of the most expensive components to replace. Our expert team has the tools, training, and experience to pinpoint leaks, repair them correctly, and recharge your system to the precise level recommended by the manufacturer.
Staying cool and comfortable shouldn’t be a guessing game. If you notice any of these signs, give us a call today. We’ll get your AC running safely and efficiently again—so you can enjoy worry-free comfort all summer long.
Contact Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating today to schedule an appointment or ask any questions you have about AC refrigerant leak repair in Washington, DC.