Signs Your AC Is Leaking Freon

One of the most common issues your air conditioning system can experience is a freon leak. Freon, more commonly known as refrigerant, works to cool your home by removing warm air from within your air conditioning system and relocating it outside. But for various reasons, freon can begin to leak. Not only can a freon leak cause performance and efficiency issues, but it can lead to serious health issues for anyone exposed.

Keep in mind that you should never have to refill or top of the refrigerant in your air conditioning system. Unlike gas or oil, refrigerant never runs dry—rather, your AC system continuously circulates it throughout your home.

Knowing the signs that your air conditioning system is leaking freon is important to keeping your home comfortable, and more importantly, keeping your loved ones safe. Read on to learn how you can tell if your AC is leaking freon and what you should do about it.

1. Low Airflow

When your air conditioning system is low on refrigerant, it won’t produce as much cool air as it usually does.

2. AC Blowing Warm Air

You’ll begin to notice your home takes longer to cool down and you may even feel your air conditioner blowing warm air through the registers.

3. Ice Build-Up on the Copper Lines or Evaporator Coil

A tell-tale sign of a refrigerant leak is ice build-up on the copper lines or evaporator coils. When your system lacks the necessary refrigerant to cool your home, the copper lines or evaporator coils can absorb as much heat. As a result, condensation builds up and causes the lines or coils to freeze.

4. High Electric Bills

When your air conditioning system is leaking refrigerant, your system has to work harder to cool your home. As a result, your system uses more energy, which can result in higher energy bills.

5. Your House Takes Longer to Cool Down

Refrigerant works to absorb heat from inside of your home and move it outside. But if your system doesn’t have enough refrigerant, it won’t be able to cool your home as efficiently as it should.

Symptoms Of Freon Poisoning

Freon poisoning occurs when someone is exposed to large amounts of freon. Freon contains fluorinated hydrocarbons which can cause a variety of health issues. Because the chemical is colorless and odorless, it’s important to be vigilant if you suspect your air conditioning system has a freon leak.

If you or a loved one experienced any of these symptoms, they might be related to freon poisoning, and you should seek medical help right away.

– Dizziness – Nausea – Trouble breathing – Fluid buildup in the lungs

What to Do If You Suspect a Refrigerant Leak

Refrigerant exposure can be dangerous, so if you believe your AC is leaking freon, contact the professionals at Energy Air right away. Your satisfaction is only second to the safety of your family, which is why we provide 24/7 emergency AC services in cases where refrigerant leaks are suspected. If you have concerns about refrigerant or other AC-related questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us by phone or through our website.