5 Problems That AC Refrigerant Leaks Can Cause

Your residential air conditioner helps to keep you cool and comfortable during summer using the refrigeration cycle. It accomplishes this by circulating compressed and pressurized refrigerant through the system. While refrigerant flows in a closed-loop system, it can escape when the refrigerant lines suffer damage.

Refrigerant leaks can cause many problems, as highlighted below.

1. Decline In Cooling Performance

Refrigerant is the essential working fluid that your air conditioner uses to deliver cooling output to your living space. If it starts to leak, the cooling system will lose its ability to beat the heat. As a result, you may no longer enjoy the cooling effect that it provides. This can make your summer afternoons more unbearable than ever.

2. Increase In Energy Usage

Your air conditioner runs on electricity and is a significant contributor to your annual household energy consumption. Keeping it in good running condition can help to minimize its energy usage for greater cost savings. When your AC has a refrigerant leak, it will be forced to work harder than necessary to maintain a comfortable indoor environment. This will result in rising air conditioning costs as the system uses more energy to deliver the desired cooling output.

3. System Damage

Refrigerant leaks result in low refrigerant levels within your AC system. This puts a strain on vital AC components, such as the compressor, evaporator, and condenser, causing them to suffer damage and wear and tear faster. Consequently, this can lead to expensive repairs or a premature replacement of your air conditioner.

4. Environmental Degradation

The refrigerant in your air conditioning system contains potent greenhouse gases, such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). If these gases escape from the system, they can cause environmental damage. Detecting and fixing AC refrigerant leaks is essential for minimizing the impact of these harmful emissions on the environment. 

5. Poor Indoor Air Quality

AC refrigerant is a chemical that can affect human health when inhaled. Its colorless and odorless nature makes it more dangerous because it can leak undetected. Early detection and repair of refrigerant leaks help keep the air inside your home clean and healthy for inhalation.

Dealing with AC refrigerant leaks as soon as they are detected can help to prevent expensive damage to the system and reduce the potential negative effects on your indoor air quality and the environment. For more information about AC system repairs, contact a local company. 


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