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Why Is Your Central Air Conditioner Leaking Freon?

Any leaks from your AC are always an indication that something is wrong. Air conditioners do not require a frequent refrigerant refill. Manufacturers build AC to ensure that Freon or any other refrigerant never leaks. Once your AC starts leaking Freon, it’s always helpful to invite experts to help you find a solution.

For most homeowners, it’s common knowledge that Freon leaks are pretty hazardous. That insinuates how important it is to stay on top of things to ensure that you know when it’s happening. Knowing why Freon leaks from an AC allows you to understand what you can do to prevent it.

Most AC manufacturing companies don’t use Freon in AC anymore. However, there are models still in existence that have Freon in them. Read on to discover why your central air conditioner is leaking Freon.

Reasons Why Your Central Air Conditioner is Leaking Freon

Air conditioners, like most electric appliances, are fragile and require handling with care. Managing an AC with care starts from the point of purchase to maintenance. Even a brand new AC can leak.

What causes a central air conditioner to be leaking Freon?

Rough installations

When central air is leaking Freon, sometimes, you can trace the source of the Freon leak to the time of installation. At installation, your AC is new, so a leak can only mean that it’s broken or the installation is incorrect. Incorrect installation is reason enough to cause a leak and usually requires 24 hour AC repair services to be called.

To have your newly installed AC checked for Freon leaks, you can have your technician check for leaks after installing. The most accurate tool for testing is nitrogen, where the technician tests the system’s smoldering.

If you’re thinking about getting AC for your space, consider using the service of a trained technician. You can look at this site to know what your options are from expert AC installation services.

Defects and Damages

Often before getting released into the market, AC receives inspections to ensure everything is in place. However, manufacturers might sometimes miss a few things even though every AC undergoes construction with the highest accuracy possible. Defects stem from improper assembly or missing parts.

If you fail to notice the defect before installing the AC, then it’s likely that there will be a Freon leak in your space. The only solution to this issue is replacing that faulty AC. A warranty comes in handy in such a situation.

When the issue is not a defect, then you could be looking at the damage. Unfortunately, you might fail to notice the damage until you install the AC. Sometimes the damages are repairable, while other times you might have to consider getting a new AC. You have to pull all the stops to get rid of leaking Freon.

Corrosion

An AC unit has metal parts that can react when exposed to the elements. Even though some of those parts are inside the AC, sometimes moisture may set off corrosion. The copper tube walls in an AC are the most sensitive parts.

The tube walls house Freon or any refrigerant depending on the model of the AC. Once corrosion sets in on the walls, it may result in cracks and holes. Freon ends up leaking through those holes and cracks.

One of the ways you can try to take care of the Freon leaks in this situation is by replacing the coils. Alternatively, if you can afford it, you can get an entirely new unit.

Your AC Unit Is Old

If you want to get the best out of an AC, you will have to consider getting a new one. Everything starts to wear out after being in use for a given amount of time. It is the same for AC. The more you use it, the faster the internal parts wear.

When wear and tear reach the parts housing the Freon, it starts to leak. Due to time and age, even the slightest bit of weakness on the joints and connections in an AC can cause leaks.

In such a case, it’s better to get a new air conditioner before it starts to leak. It could save more money buying a new AC than you would if you replace the old parts.

Vibrations By The Unit

An AC unit usually hums or vibrates. Over time, the vibration weakens some parts of the system, potentially resulting in a leak. To avoid leaks, you can schedule frequent maintenance checks to have everything realigned as it should be.

How To Know If Know If Your Air Conditioner Is Leaking Freon

Sometimes your malfunctioning AC is what will tell you that the Freon has leaked. This is because it’s colorless and odorless, so revealing that it’s in the air is somewhat impossible.

If you are in the same space as leaked Freon, physical symptoms will manifest. You should make a point of seeing a physician if you suspect refrigerant poisoning. You will experience the following symptoms;

  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Difficult breathing
  • Coughing
  • Clogged Lungs
  • Dizziness

Managing a Freon Leak

The first thing you should do after noticing a Freon leak is shut down the whole system. It is a necessary step, especially if it’s an indoor leak. Ensuring that your space is well-aerated should be your next step.

Also, it might do you some good to step outside where there is plenty of fresh air. While outside, ensure that you contact your technician instead of trying to solve it yourself.

Final Words

If you can help prevent a Freon leak, you should ensure that you don’t let the opportunity to do something pass. For instance, ensure that you join your technician in inspecting a newly bought and installed AC. Then, you can monitor it for a while to see if there are any reasons to worry about Freon leaks.

Warranties exist so that you will have time to test out electrical appliances like an AC to ensure it fits your needs. Ensure that you understand what you are getting when making a purchase. Also, for your safety, ensure that you involve an air conditioning expert, especially when there is a leak.

 

 

 

Jeff Campbell