(604) 467-6474
During the summer months in Port Moody, having a reliable air conditioning system becomes more than just convenience — it is a necessity. When temperatures go up, people rely on their AC units to keep indoor spaces tolerable. But when the system does not work as expected, it creates immediate discomfort. One of the most common issues homeowners face during high-use periods is refrigerant leaks. These hidden problems affect both system efficiency and cooling performance.
Even a small leak can throw your AC’s entire operation off track. Air coming from your vents might feel warm instead of cool. The unit might run longer than usual or fail to hold the desired temperature. When this happens, it is easy to assume something minor is off, like a dirty filter or a thermostat setting. But unattended refrigerant loss can turn into a much bigger problem quickly. Recognizing the early warning signs can help prevent extensive damage and costly repairs.
Causes of Air Conditioning Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant does not just disappear from your AC system. If it is running low, there is most likely a leak somewhere in the unit. Several factors contribute to these leaks, and most of them develop over time.
Here are the main reasons why an AC might start leaking refrigerant:
1. Corrosion: Over the years, the copper tubing in AC units can corrode due to moisture and chemicals in the air. This corrosion gradually eats away at the metal, leading to pinhole leaks.
2. Physical Damage: Accidental impacts during routine yard work or renovations can hit AC components, cracking the lines that carry refrigerant.
3. Poor Manufacturing: Some systems come with factory flaws in the coils or joints, which may not hold pressure properly from the start.
4. Vibration and Wear: As the unit operates, vibration can cause joints to loosen or rub against other components, creating small cracks or gaps over time.
5. Chemical Reactions: Cleaning products, pet urine near the outdoor unit, or pollutants in the air can react with metals and accelerate wear.
These are not the kinds of problems that fix themselves. Once refrigerant starts to escape, it does not stop. If you have had refrigerant added to your AC more than once for the same issue, it likely means there is an undiagnosed leak still active in your system.
Signs Your AC Has a Refrigerant Leak
Refrigerant leaks can be tricky to catch unless you know what to look for. Many homeowners in Port Moody may not even know they have a leak until the system shows clear signs of struggling.
Here are several indicators your AC might be losing refrigerant:
– Weak or Warm Airflow: If the air coming from your vents feels warm or is not as cool as you expect, low refrigerant could be the cause.
– Ice on the Coils: Ice forming on the evaporator coil or refrigerant lines is often a symptom of low refrigerant levels disrupting the cooling cycle.
– Hissing or Bubbling Sounds: These noises could mean refrigerant is escaping through a small puncture or crack.
– Longer Cooling Cycles: When the system struggles to reach the set temperature, it runs longer and may never fully cool your space.
– Higher Energy Bills: If your usage has not changed but your utility bill jumps, your AC could be working overtime to make up for refrigerant loss.
As an example, a homeowner with a two-storey home in Port Moody might notice that while the main floor stays cool, the upper level feels hot and stuffy no matter how low they set the temperature. This uneven cooling often points to a system struggling with refrigerant loss, especially if it is paired with ice buildup on outdoor components.
Catching these signs early gives you a better chance of fixing the issue before it turns into a breakdown. Once the refrigerant gets too low, your AC cannot cool at all, and additional parts may get damaged from overwork.
The Dangers of Ignoring Refrigerant Leaks
Letting a refrigerant leak go unchecked can lead to more than just poor cooling. Over time, an untreated leak puts extra stress on the system. The parts inside your AC have to work harder to try to cool the air, which can lead to breakdowns that are far more expensive than if the leak had been addressed early on.
Aside from damaging your equipment, low refrigerant levels can also impact the air quality in your home. Leaks from aging or damaged components may allow refrigerant to slowly release into the air. While the risk from small leaks in residential systems may be limited, it is still something to take seriously, especially in homes with children, seniors, or people with respiratory issues. The safest move is to have your system checked as soon as you spot any signs of trouble.
Another factor is energy efficiency. When your AC runs without the right amount of refrigerant, it takes longer to cool your home, if it manages to do so at all. That extra runtime drives up monthly energy bills and speeds up wear on moving parts. In the long run, ignoring a leak does not just cost more in repairs, it increases operating costs with every cycle.
Professional Solutions for Refrigerant Leaks
The best approach to handling refrigerant problems is finding and fixing the leak completely, not just topping off the refrigerant and hoping it holds. Our technicians follow a step-by-step process to ensure accuracy and safety every time they visit a home in Port Moody.
1. System Inspection: A full look at your system to identify areas that may be leaking or damaged.
2. Leak Detection: Using reliable tools and techniques to quickly locate the exact point of the leak.
3. Leak Repair or Component Replacement: Depending on the cause, this may mean patching a leak, tightening connections, or replacing damaged coils or lines.
4. System Recharge: Once the leak is fixed, the system is refilled with the right type and amount of refrigerant.
5. Full System Test: The unit is run and monitored to confirm the issue is fully resolved and the cooling performance is back to normal.
In many cases, the biggest mistake is not the leak itself, it is refilling the refrigerant without fixing the root problem. That temporary fix may cool things off for a bit, but the loss of refrigerant will return, and the risk of damaging the system gets worse each time. An experienced professional will focus on long-term reliability, not just a short-term patch.
Keep Your Port Moody Home Comfortable All Summer
Air conditioning problems during summer are frustrating, but refrigerant leaks do not need to lead to a total breakdown. Catching the signs early, understanding what causes these issues, and calling in experienced professionals to carry out proper repairs will help keep your home cool, efficient, and safe throughout the season.
Regular maintenance can also make a big difference. A full system check once a year helps spot wear before it turns into a leak. This simple step can prevent unexpected repairs and give you peace of mind knowing your AC is ready when the heat rolls through Port Moody.
Whether your system is showing signs of a leak or it has just been a while since the last inspection, now is a good time to take a closer look. A small issue today could save you from a major repair tomorrow. Keep your system healthy, your power bill steady, and your home cool when you need it most.
If you suspect a leak or need dependable AC repair in Port Moody, trust Big Valley Heating & Air Conditioning to restore comfort and efficiency to your home with expert solutions you can count on. For a quick estimate or to book a service visit, please contact us today.
