A refrigerant leak causes your HVAC system to lose efficiency and poses health risks to your family. Call the certified experts at Grand Canyon Home Services for safe, effective air conditioner refrigerant leak repair in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area.
If you’re looking for a total home comfort solutions specialist, look no further than Grand Canyon Home Services.
Our certified service experts and fast response times will ensure your problems are resolved quickly, and we can find the right solution that fits within your budget and meets your needs.
Signs of an AC Refrigerant Leak
Because refrigerant leaks can be so dangerous, it’s important that you become familiar with the signs so you can call for repairs to restore system functionality and safety.
One of the most common signs of refrigerant leaks is if you notice warm air moving through the vents when the system is running. However, when an air conditioner blows warm air, it doesn’t always mean it’s a refrigerant leak. It could be a clogged filter or leaking ductwork, which is why it’s best to hire a certified service expert to diagnose the issue.
Another common sign you have leaking refrigerant is hearing hissing sounds as the gas escapes the lines. This will be most noticeable near the indoor unit.
Lastly, a frozen evaporator coil could indicate you have leaking refrigerant. When you don’t have enough refrigerant circulating through the coil, it can’t absorb enough heat, causing condensation to form, which eventually freezes.
It’s crucial that you call for repairs as soon as you notice these signs because failing to do so puts your system at risk of failure and could put your family in danger.
Can I Still Get a Freon Recharge?
For decades, R22 or Freon was the primary chemical refrigerant used in air conditioners and heat pumps. But, in January 2020, the US EPA banned its sale due to environmental concerns.
Many homeowners with HVAC systems that relied on Freon naturally became concerned as supplies grew increasingly limited as to whether they could still get a recharge if needed.
To answer the question, yes, if you have an older HVAC system, you can still get a Freon recharge provided there are supplies left. However, as the amount of Freon available dwindles, the cost to perform a recharge becomes prohibitively expensive.
What About a Retrofit?
The EPA says that while you don’t have to replace your old air conditioner, you can retrofit it to use the newer refrigerants available. However, this is easier said than done.
Newer air conditioners have compressors and other parts that only work with specific chemicals, and there’s no guarantee your system will accept a retrofit.
Also, the expense of retrofitting an aging HVAC system often rivals the cost of installing a new unit.
The good news is that if your system relies on Freon, it’s probably nearing the end of its lifespan, and replacing it not only gives you increased comfort but better efficiency as well.
If you’re not sure whether it’s best to opt for a Freon replacement or spring for a new air conditioner, call the HVAC pros at Grand Canyon Home Services for a consultation.
Grand Canyon Home Services is ready to serve you with all of your air conditioning needs.
Call us today to receive a free estimate on a new system or book an appointment at 623-444-6988 .
