The Dangers of AC Refrigerant Leaks

The Dangers of AC Refrigerant Leaks

Are you concerned about a potential AC freon leak? If your air conditioning unit has stopped functioning properly or is no longer providing cool air, there may be an issue with your freon levels.

Contrary to popular belief, freon does not need to be charged every spring. Rather, a freon leak is most commonly caused by small puncture holes that allow the gas-liquid to escape. Other potential causes include poor installation, factory defects in the unit, or formic acid or formaldehyde corrosion of the metal.

It's important to address freon leaks quickly as they can worsen over time. Air conditioning repair technicians refer to these as "champagne leaks" because tiny bubbles can be observed in the evaporator coils where freon leaks are typically located.

Freon is a toxic substance that can be deadly if inhaled, and it also depletes the ozone layer, making freon leaks both hazardous to human health and the environment. It's critical to ensure that no freon enters the airflow inside your home.

If you notice a foul odor coming from your HVAC system during operation, it could be a sign of a freon leak.

While freon leaks aren't particularly common, they do occur. A new air conditioning unit can potentially leak freon if not installed properly. To prevent leaks, technicians often test the system's soldering using nitrogen.

Damage to the unit can also lead to freon leaks. It's important to be mindful of potential damage, such as from lawn equipment, as any harm to the unit can cause separate components to fail.

The most common cause of AC freon leaks is erosion of the metal over time due to formic acid or formaldehyde corrosion. When acid eats away at the metal, small holes form and the unit eventually releases freon. This can often be repaired by replacing the separate components such as the coils or installing an entire new air conditioning unit, depending on the severity of the damage.

Finally, factory defects can also cause freon leaks. It's important to consult an expert air conditioning repair technician if you suspect your new AC is leaking freon, as most manufacturing companies void the warranty if repairs are made by someone other than a trained technician. Freon leaks can even occur 5 to 10 years after the initial air conditioning installation.