5 Signs Your AC Has a Refrigerant Leak

If your air conditioner is struggling to keep your home cool, the issue may be more than normal wear and tear. One common but often overlooked problem is a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant is essential to the cooling process, and when levels drop, your AC cannot remove heat effectively. Recognizing the early signs of a refrigerant leak can help prevent higher energy bills, system damage, and unexpected breakdowns during peak cooling season.

1. Your House Is Not Getting Cold Enough

This will likely be your first sign that something is wrong. If you walk into your house and the cool air is not as refreshing as it once was, even after dropping the temperature a few extra degrees, there may be a leak.

2. Cold Air Is Not Coming from Your Vents

The air coming out of your vents should be cold. The refrigerant absorbs the warm air from your house and moves it outside. If you notice warm air coming from your vents, it's a sign that your refrigerant is not doing what it is supposed to do.

3. Your Utility Bill Is Higher Than Normal

Air conditioning systems that are low in refrigerant utilize longer cooling cycles to get your house cool. This means your AC runs almost nonstop to meet the demand. This will result in a higher electric bill. If you notice a sudden change in your monthly bill, it's a good idea to take a look at your AC system.

4. You Hear a Hissing Sound Coming from Your AC

Because your AC condenser unit is outside, a hissing sound coming from your unit may not be the first symptom you notice. However, if you find that your system is not cooling or you have an increased bill, you should step outside and listen to your unit. If you hear an abnormal hissing sound, it's time to call a technician.

5. The Evaporator Coils Are Frozen

Again, this will likely not be the first sign you notice. If your AC is acting funny, take a peek inside. If you see ice inside your unit, it's a good sign you are leaking refrigerant. Turn off your air conditioner so it will thaw and call a professional.

It is important to note that If you have a refrigerant leak, adding more refrigerant will not solve the problem. You will only end up replenishing the system every year. Instead, you need a qualified HVAC technician to repair or replace your unit .

If you think your system might have a leak, call us toll-free at (402) 235-6727 or visit us online .