Refrigerant, also known as Freon, is a cooling agent present in your air conditioning system. It is a vital component of your unit and assists in removing heat from your indoor air. If you have less refrigerant, your AC will have trouble properly cooling your home. However, it’s not always easy to tell whether you have a Freon leak or not—you have to keep an eye out for certain signs. To help you out, the pros at Acree are here to share some common indications a Freon leak.
1. No Cool Air Coming from Vents
If you notice that warm air is coming from the vents or your AC just isn’t cooling the way it should, there might be a Freon leak. Before you make that assumption though, make sure you replace your AC filter and ensure your thermostat is on “cool” and the “auto” setting. If there is no change, you might have a Freon leak. Look for other signs of the leak or contact an HVAC technician to inspect your unit.
2. Hissing Sounds from Indoor and Outdoor Unit
Your AC system is a closed system, meaning refrigerant is supposed to stay in the system—so if the refrigerant levels are low, there is most likely a leak somewhere in the system. If you notice that your AC is unable to cool and you’ve switched your thermostat setting and changed your filter, head to your indoor unit and check for a hissing sound. Check your outdoor unit for hissing sounds as well. This specific noise indicates a crack or gap somewhere in the system. A larger leak might also have a gurgling sound.
3. AC Taking Longer to Cool
With less refrigerant than usual, your air conditioner might be taking longer to cool. This places a great burden on your air conditioner and forces it to run constantly. This can also be caused by air leaks, so make sure your home is properly sealed.
4. High Energy Bills
Check your electricity bills and see if you notice a significant spike in them. If you have higher electricity bills than usual, you might be dealing with a system that is using more energy. This could be caused by various things, but low Freon levels is one of them. An AC that runs constantly to get to the set temperature could be behind these high bills.
What to Do in The Event of a Freon Leak
If you strongly suspect you have a Freon leak, contact your local HVAC technician immediately. Freon is a dangerous substance and must be handled by licensed professionals only. They will inspect your system, troubleshoot the leak and refill refrigerant in no time.
Have More Questions About Freon Leaks? Contact the Pros at Acree! Our team of professionals will be happy to assist you and answer any questions you have. Call us today at (813) 530-9061 or schedule a service with us online!
