If your AC is leaking, the problem could be due to several issues, ranging from leaking drain lines to leaking refrigerant fluid. If you have an air conditioning problem, the natural question to ask is, “Can a home AC leak be fixed?”
The good news is that, yes, you can fix most AC leaks without too much trouble on your end. With that in mind, the team at BVS Home Experts is here to answer your questions about AC leaks and how to fix them.
Contact us today to schedule HVAC leak troubleshooting and AC repair service in Katy, TX!
Common AC Leaks and Their Causes
AC leaks usually come in two types: water leaks and refrigerant leaks. Below is a list of the most common causes of these two types of leaks.
Water Leaks
Air conditioners create moisture and condensation through normal operation. Usually, this condensate is sucked up by a condensate pump and goes into your drain lines. So, water leaks are often due to problems with the drain lines of the condensate pump. For example, if you notice water leaking out near the base of the unit, the problem is most likely due to clogged drain lines.
Air conditioning water leaks might also be due to a broken condensate pump. When the condensate pump isn’t working correctly, water can overflow over the top of the drain reservoir. Most modern air conditioners will automatically shut off if they sense that the condensate pump is broken to prevent creating puddles of water around the unit.
It is less common, but water leaks can also come from a dirty filter. Dirty and clogged filters absorb moisture, and sometimes, this is enough to drip water from your vents and ductwork. The solution, in this case, is to clean the water and change clogged filters.
Freon Leaks
Modern AC systems have coolant fluid in a closed-loop system, so it should never run out, and you shouldn’t have to refill it over the lifespan of your unit. So, if your coolant levels are low, then you have a coolant leak somewhere in your system. Common signs of a Freon leak include:
- Hissing or gurgling sound
- No cold air from vents
- Frozen evaporator coils
- Longer cooling cycles
- Semi-sweet smell near unit or vents
- System overheating and shutting down
- Higher humidity
- Electrical bills suddenly spike
Coolant leaks can also precipitate water leaks. For example, when your coolant is low, your evaporator coil might freeze over and start leaking water out of your unit when it starts to melt. Coolant fumes are also a health hazard and can cause nausea and respiratory distress, so it’s in your best interest to remedy coolant leaks as quickly as possible.
Types of Freon Leaks
Freon leaks can be divided into two types, each of which differs based on its causes and the ideal repair technique. Pressure-dependent leaks occur when pressure builds up too high and forces coolant out of small leaks. Temperature-dependent leaks result from coolant expanding as it gets hotter.
Vibrational-dependent leaks are coolant leaks that only occur when the unit is in operation. Vibrational leaks happen due to mechanical perturbation. If more than one factor creates your leaks, you have a combination-dependent leak on your hands.
AC Leak Repair: Worth the Cost?
Can a home AC leak be fixed? Yes, they can, though whether or not repairing home air conditioner leaks is worth the costs depends on the nature of the leak and the damage it has caused. For example, small leaks from drain lines are easy and fast to fix, while leaks from a damaged condensate pump will cost more because you will have to replace a component. Suppose you have an older air conditioner that still uses discontinued types of refrigerant. In that case, it may be a better decision financially to replace the system than fixing an AC refrigerant leak.
How To Prevent AC Leaks
Fortunately, there are several things you can do as a homeowner to prevent AC leaks from occurring. Following these tips can help you identify and pre-empt potential leaks before they become a problem.
Get Regular Maintenance
The best way to avoid air conditioner leaks is to get regular professional maintenance. We recommend that you schedule professional maintenance at least once every year, but preferably twice per year. During a tune-up, the technician will inspect your various system components to identify and fix problems, such as leaks, before they cause damage.
Replace Air Filters
You should replace your air filter at least once every six months. If you live somewhere with high dust or you live with pets, you might want to change your filter once every three months. Changing your filters helps control moisture levels, and dirty filters are often a breeding ground for mold and algae. Make sure you use replacement filters with the right MERV for your system.
Clean Drain Lines
You should also clean your AC drain lines once every three to four months. Drain lines can get clogged by sediment, dirt, and other debris. You can flush AC drain lines with a mild solution of water and vinegar. When cleaning drain lines, you should also inspect them to determine if there are any cracks or leaks.
Inspect Coolant Levels
You should also routinely check your coolant levels to see if they are too low. Testing coolant pressure levels can detect AC leaks. Connect the low-pressure and high-pressure gauges to their respective service valves and record the pressure reading. Exact specifications differ depending on the system, but most modern residential AC units are set at about 30 PSI for low-pressure and 150 PSI for high-pressure.
Home AC Leak Repair in Katy, TX
Read our blog to learn the answer to the question, “Is it worth repairing my AC unit?” If you have any more questions like, “Can a home AC leak be fixed?” contact BVS Home Experts online or call today at 281-391-1510 to schedule an appointment for air conditioner leak solutions!
