• June, 17 2024

Why is my HVAC leaking refrigerant?

It could be a dog, frequent vibration, corrosion, aging, an errant lawnmower or none of the above.

The cause may take some time to find because there are many potential culprits.

Probably the most common suspect is corrosion, which happens even in the best of buildings. Acids and other pollutants in the air wear away at the piping, especially if it is copper. Eventually it springs tiny holes that allow refrigerant to escape.

Indoor air is usually much more polluted than outdoor air even in New York City and elsewhere, according to the Environmental Protect Agency. Learn more at https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/introduction-indoor-air-quality#causes

Other causes

Because it’s outside, the condenser coil is vulnerable to freak damage that will trigger leaks.

A weed-whacker or lawn-mower can hit the outside unit. Dogs repeatedly urinating on it can cause corrosion.

You can eliminate these chances by mounting the unit on a wall or installing a fence around it. (Leave three feet of free space around the unit to maximize air flow.)

Age also can take a toll on a refrigerant system and cause problems before the overall system outlives its usefulness.

The refrigerant could be disrupted by vibrations, poor installation or factory defects, so a qualified technician may need to do some detective work before finding the cause. You also will need a qualified technician to handle the refrigeration,  which is toxic.

Don’t wait

A low refrigerant level will lead to reduced efficiency, meaning a warmer house and higher electricity bills. Eventually, the airflow will slow and parts can freeze, causing the AC to grind to a halt.

Elite HVAC technicians solve refrigerant problems in homes and businesses in Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and Long Island.