Your air conditioner works hard to keep your home comfortable in Central Florida’s hot and humid climate. But even a small issue, like a slow refrigerant leak, can reduce its performance.
These leaks can sneak up on you, gradually reducing your AC’s efficiency, increasing energy costs, and potentially compromising your family’s comfort and health. Knowing the signs and acting fast can help you avoid major repairs and keep your cooling system running strong.
How To Identify a Slow AC Leak
A slow refrigerant leak doesn’t always announce itself. However, the signs are there if you know what to look for. If you spot any of these signs, it’s time to schedule a professional inspection:
- Weakened cooling performance: If your AC is running but your home still feels warm, it could be due to low refrigerant levels.
- Longer cooling cycles: A leaking system may take much longer to cool your home, running constantly without reaching the set temperature.
- An unexplained rise in energy bills: A drop in efficiency forces your AC to work harder, driving up monthly costs.
- Hissing or bubbling sounds: These noises near the indoor unit or refrigerant line can indicate a leak in the system.
- Ice on the refrigerant line or evaporator coil: Low refrigerant can cause condensation to freeze, creating visible ice on parts of your system.
- Humidity issues in your home: If your AC isn’t removing moisture as well as it used to, a refrigerant leak could be the culprit.
How a Slow Leak Harms Your AC System
A slow leak may not seem urgent, but it can cause real damage over time, not just to your AC system.
Impact on AC System
Without enough refrigerant, your AC can’t absorb and transfer heat efficiently. This forces the system to run longer, placing strain on the compressor and other components. Left unchecked, this can lead to expensive repairs or a complete system breakdown.
Impact on Home Comfort
Beyond equipment damage, reduced performance affects your indoor comfort. Your home may feel muggy or unevenly cooled, making everyday life uncomfortable. The extra workload on your unit also leads to spikes in your utility bills, especially during the peak of summer.
Impact on Health
In some cases, refrigerant leaks can even impact your family’s health. Older AC systems may use refrigerants that, when leaked, pose safety concerns if inhaled in enclosed spaces.
With all these complications, it’s best to schedule AC repair when you realize you have a leak.
What To Do if You Suspect a Leak
If you think your AC might have a slow refrigerant leak, don’t ignore it — and don’t try to fix it yourself. Refrigerant is a hazardous substance that must be handled by licensed professionals using specialized equipment. Attempting a DIY repair can lead to further damage or safety risks.
Instead, call Del-Air for expert AC service. Our experienced, background-checked technicians will inspect your system, identify the source of the leak, and get your AC running at full strength again.
Preventing AC Leaks
Do you want to stay ahead of issues like this in the future? Ask about our maintenance agreement. Regular inspections and tune-ups from the Del-Air team allow you to catch small problems before they escalate. You’ll also enjoy priority scheduling, exclusive discounts, and peace of mind all year round.
Call Del-Air Today for AC Repair & Maintenance
A slow refrigerant leak can go from a minor inconvenience to a major issue fast, but Del-Air is here to help. With same-day service, upfront pricing, and over 40 years of experience, we’re Central Florida’s trusted source for fast, reliable AC repairs. Don’t let a leak steal your comfort or savings — reach out to the Del-Air team!
Contact Del-Air today to schedule AC repair or maintenance!
