Modern air conditioners run on coolant. If you have a refrigerant leak, then your AC performance will suffer. Refrigerant leaks are dangerous, so you need a professional to help manage the problem.

S&L Air Conditioning and Heating offers refrigerant leak repair services in Lake Arbor, MD. We have the skills and know-how to handle toxic freon spills safely and can get your AC back in working condition.

Refrigerant Leak Repairs: Does Freon Leak When the AC Is Off?

All modern ACs use liquid coolant to extract heat and produce the cold air your AC pumps into your home. AC coolant, or freon, cycles through your system, repeatedly expanding and condensing. Manufacturers design most modern air conditioner units to never need coolant replacement.

However, AC freon lines can break and leak coolant. At that point, you’ll need a professional for refrigerant leak repair and to top-off coolant levels. Air conditioners use closed-loop cooling systems, but your AC can leak freon even when shut off.

AC Freon Leak Symptoms

Below are some common AC freon leak symptoms that every homeowner should know how to identify.

Poor Cooling

Your AC requires coolant to properly extract heat and produce cold air. The most common sign of low coolant is difficulty blowing cold air. If your AC only blows hot air no matter the setting, a freon leak could be the culprit.

High Humidity

Coolant also plays a role in extracting moisture from warm air. High humidity could indicate that your AC does not have enough refrigerant to maintain consistent humidity levels. You may also see excessive condensation inside and outside of your unit.

High Utility Bills

If you have low coolant levels, your AC has to work harder to produce the same results. As such, your AC bills might increase while AC performance stays the same. If you notice your energy bills are rising, double-check to ensure coolant levels are adequate.

Frost on Coils

Coolant liquid also plays a crucial role in preventing frost from building up on your coils. A little bit of frost on coils is normal for typical operation, but excessive frost could indicate you are running low on coolant.

Bubbling or Hissing Sound

Another common sign of low coolant is a hissing or bubbling sound from your AC when it’s not running. Leaks create pressure changes in the closed coolant lines, which can cause bubbling and hissing in the liquid.

Is Leaking Refrigerant Dangerous?

Freon is a toxic substance, so freon leaks can pose a serious hazard to your and your family’s health. Freon poisoning can cause several symptoms, including:

Difficulty breathing
Throat or sinus swelling
Loss of vision
Stomach pain
Indigestion or heartburn
Burning sensation on mucous membranes (e.g., eyes, lips, tongue, etc.)
Weakness or lethargy

Additionally, freon is highly flammable and has adverse environmental effects. We do not recommend trying to repair your air conditioner leaking freon on your own.

If you experience any of the above symptoms after coming into contact with a freon leak, contact a doctor immediately. Afterward, call a professional HVAC contractor to take care of your freon leak problem.

Contact Us Today

For over 20 years, S&L Air Conditioning and Heating has been serving Lake Arbor, MD, and surrounding areas. As a family-owned operation, we offer a level of service you can only expect from a small business. We pride ourselves on our fast, friendly, and affordable services.

If you want to learn more about our refrigerant leak repair services, contact us online or call 301-450-7988 to schedule an appointment!

#1 Refrigerant Leak Repair Service in Lake Arbor, MD, with More Than 350 5-Star Reviews

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