Troubleshooting a Leaking Air Conditioning Compressor
Emily If your air conditioning refrigerant is low, it’s time to look into the problem a little deeper. Contrary to popular belief, air conditioners don’t consume refrigerant or Freon, therefore, the cooling agent should never have to be refilled — unless there is a leak in the compressor.
How Compressors Work to Cool Your Home
Air conditioning compressors provide A/C, heat pumping, and refrigeration for indoor spaces by using compression to raise the temperature of a low-pressure gas, and also remove vapor from the evaporator. When the refrigerant leaks the system still cools, which is why most people don’t notice a difference until the system cools too much. When this happens the evaporator coil freezes causing ice to form on the coil as well as other parts of the system. Eventually, the evaporator coil will freeze completely which restricts all airflow.
Compressor Leaks: What to Look For
The first signs of a leaking air conditioning compressor can be recognized by the following:
- A/C takes more time than usual to cool the building
- Electric bill is higher than usual
- Warm air is coming from the supply vent
- Noticeable buildup of ice on the copper refrigerant lines
- Hissing or bubbling noises coming from the compressor
How to Fix a Leaking Air Conditioning Compressor
If you suspect a refrigerant leak in your air conditioner the worst thing you can do to fix the problem is adding more refrigerant or Freon. If the leak isn’t sealed before adding more coolant, you will be faced with the same problem in no time.
Call Our Qualified Technicians from A+ Air Conditioning and Refrigeration!
If you have a refrigerant leak, one of our technicians will be happy to come by for a diagnostic check. Visit our website for a New Customer Discount and Free Dryer Vent Cleaning if you need your compressor repaired! Contact us today to learn more.