Have you wonder how a professional HVAC technician locates a refrigerant leak? When you suspect your air conditioner has developed a leak and you want your air conditioner checked for leaks, call a professional HVAC technician. They use a few different methods when it comes to looking for a refrigerant leak. To better understand why you will want to have a professional locate and repair refrigerant leaks, Air Supply Heating & Air Conditioning will share how technicians look for refrigerant leaks.

How is Refrigerant Leakage Detected?

Refrigerant leaks most often occur somewhere in the evaporator coil system. However, there are a few other areas where a refrigerant leak can develop as well. Sometimes looking for the location of a refrigerant leaks is like “looking for a needle in a haystack.” When you see signs of a leak such as poor cooling, overheating that forces the air conditioner to shut down, or the presence of ice, you most likely have a refrigerant leak. When a refrigerant leak does develop, a technician will use a few different methods to locate the leak.
• Soap Bubbles – The old school method that is still used today is applying soapy water where the technician suspects the leak may be. The leaking refrigerant will cause the soap water to bubble up, revealing its location. This is an old method but one that still works.
• Ultraviolet (UV) Dye – To help locate the refrigerant leak, dye can be added to the refrigerant. Using a special UV light the technician can see where the refrigerant is leaking out from. Once the sight of the refrigerant has been located, the leak can be repaired.
• Electronic Leak Detector – One of the most common type of method to locate a refrigerant leak is by using an electronic refrigerant leak detector. The device can quickly help the technician locate the site of the leak and they can then repair it.

What Happens when Refrigerant is Low in AC?

When your air conditioner develops a refrigerant leak, one of the first major problems is that your home is not cooling down. Without refrigerant, the home cannot cool down. You will quickly become uncomfortable. Along with your home being warmer, you will notice that your air conditioner cannot keep itself cool which leads to overheating and damages to other components. You may have additional repairs if you allow the air conditioner to run without refrigerant. When the refrigerant leaks out, it is actually harmful to the environment. Refrigerant is toxic and can be fatal if breathed in. In addition, it can damage the ozone layer.

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When signs of a refrigerant leak develops, you first want to turn off the air conditioner to help slow down the leak and prevent any damage to the environment and air conditioner. Next, contact a professional HVAC technician to locate and repair the leak, which is a fairly quick process. Only a licensed HVAC technician is able to recharge your air conditioner’s refrigerant. Once you discover you have a refrigerant leak and you need a professional HVAC technician to come to your home, contact Air Supply Heating & Air Conditioning.