Types of AC Leaks and How to Repair Them

When your AC is operating properly, your home stays cool and dry. If ever the unit leaks, it should leak condensation only, and only while it’s running. The condensation pooling under the compressor should dry up quickly. However, if your AC is leaking for a full day, call a professional immediately to assess the situation, especially if you don’t know the types of AC leaks and how to repair them.

Types of AC Leaks and How to Repair Them

Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerant is the substance in the coil of your air conditioner. It changes from gas to liquid, then liquid to gas. Once refrigerant runs through the evaporators and compressors within the unit, it absorbs heat and provides cool air.

Refrigerant leaks occur over time as your AC gets older, as its parts are subjected to mechanical wear and tear. Formic acid, which naturally forms on the coils, may eat the copper tubing away, leaving your unit susceptible to leakage.

Refrigerant can leak within hours or slowly over time, depending on the size of the hole and the age of your unit.

You know you’re dealing with a refrigerant leak if it takes longer for your home to cool down, there’s ice buildup on the evaporator coil, and you see a spike in your utility bills. If you hear hissing or bubbling noises coming from the AC, it may be the sound of refrigerant escaping.

Sealing Refrigerant Leaks

An experienced technician should be able to locate the exact location of the leak and seal it properly.
You’ll want a professional to handle refrigerant leaks, or you’d risk exposure to refrigerants, which can cause health complications, albeit temporary.

If your AC is installed before 2010 and has R-22 Freon, it can be repaired, but at somewhat of a hefty price tag. Freon production was stopped in 2020 due to the damage it can inflict to the environment, so the cost of R-22 has skyrocketed. Your technician can walk you through newer, eco-friendly units instead.

Water Leaks

You can easily blame water leaks on drain lines that are clogged or disconnected. An overflowing drip pan, a damaged condensate pump, or a frozen evaporator coil may also cause water to leak from your AC.

Expect water leaks, too, if your unit isn’t properly installed, and if your air filter isn’t cleaned regularly.

No matter how water leaks occur, they must be addressed ASAP. Leaking water doesn’t just damage your unit, but it also damages your home if ignored for too long. Water may rot out drywall, weaken the structures of your home, and contribute to the growth and spread of mold.

Repairing Water Leaks

Depending on the problem, your technician will replace damaged or worn parts, clean your unit’s AC filters, and unclog pipes as needed.

But identifying the points of leakage is necessary to get to the bottom of the problem. Unless you know what you’re doing, we recommend leaving water leaks in the hands of an experienced technician.

Fix AC Leaks Properly

The smartest way to avoid AC leaks is to schedule an annual maintenance to thoroughly check and replace worn parts and components before they cause any trouble.

Is your AC leaking already? A Good Guy in your area can accurately diagnose and fix AC leaks ASAP, so your home’s safe and comfortable once again. It’s easy to schedule an appointment through our app or online!