If your air conditioner isn’t cooling like it used to, it might not be the thermostat or the filter. One common issue that we see in both homes and businesses is a refrigerant leak. This isn’t something to ignore. It can make your system work harder, raise your energy bill, and even cause long-term damage.
At Dixie Electric, Plumbing & Air, we’ve been helping folks in Montgomery, Auburn-Opelika, and Columbus stay cool for more than 100 years. If your AC’s acting up, we’re here to help. Let’s walk through the signs of a refrigerant leak and what you can do about it.
Dixie Electric, Plumbing & Air – Serving Montgomery, Auburn-Opelika, AL & Columbus, GA since 1908
What Is a Refrigerant Leak?
Your AC uses refrigerant to pull heat out of your home or office and push it outside. It’s kind of like how your fridge keeps your food cold. But if there’s a leak, your system won’t have enough refrigerant to do the job right. Think of it like trying to drive a car with barely any gas.
A refrigerant leak can happen for a few reasons—like old parts, corrosion, or damage to the refrigerant lines. And it won’t fix itself. If left alone, it can lead to bigger (and more expensive) problems.
Common Signs of a Refrigerant Leak
Warm Air Coming from Vents
If your AC is blowing tepid or room-temperature air, that’s a red flag. It might mean the system doesn’t have enough refrigerant to cool the air before it gets pushed into your home or building.
Ice on the Refrigerant Line
This may sound strange, but ice on your outdoor unit or refrigerant line is a sign of a problem. When there isn’t enough refrigerant, the pressure drops and the coil can freeze up. It looks cool (pun intended), but it’s not good.
Hissing or Bubbling Sounds
Do you hear a quiet hissing sound when your AC is running? That could be refrigerant escaping from a tiny hole. If the leak is bad, you might hear bubbling too.
Higher Energy Bills
If your power bill has suddenly jumped without a clear reason, your AC might be to blame. A leak makes the system work overtime just to keep your space cool.
AC Takes Longer to Cool
When it used to take a few minutes to cool down and now it takes forever, something’s off. A refrigerant leak can slow the entire process and make your unit less efficient.
What You Should Do If You Suspect a Refrigerant Leak
If you think your AC has a refrigerant leak, don’t try to patch it up yourself. Refrigerant can be dangerous to handle without the right training and equipment.
Step 1 – Turn Off the AC
This stops the system from doing more damage. Running an AC with low refrigerant can lead to a burnt-out compressor, which is expensive to replace.
Step 2 – Call a Licensed HVAC Technician
This is where we come in. At Dixie Electric, Plumbing & Air, our certified techs know how to safely find the leak, seal it, and recharge your system with the right amount of refrigerant.
Step 3 – Get a Full System Check
We’ll make sure the leak didn’t cause any other damage. Sometimes a refrigerant leak is a sign that your system is getting old and might need more than just a quick fix.
Preventing Future Leaks
Routine maintenance is the best way to avoid refrigerant leaks in the future. With regular tune-ups from Dixie, we can catch small issues before they turn into big problems. Our maintenance plans are designed to keep your system running strong all year long.
Don’t Wait—Stay Cool with Dixie
A refrigerant leak may seem like a small issue, but it can lead to big problems fast. If you notice any of the warning signs, give us a call. We’ve been serving Montgomery, Auburn-Opelika, AL and Columbus, GA since 1908, and we’re proud to continue offering top-notch HVAC service with a family touch.
Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner, your comfort is our priority. Let our team at Dixie Electric, Plumbing & Air help you stay cool, safe, and energy-efficient. Schedule your AC service today!
