Whether it’s a central air conditioner, ductless mini-split AC system, or alternative cooling solution, the certified professionals at Jerry’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning have the ideal solution for you. We offer a large selection of industry-leading coloring products and service most major brands.
And, when you have an AC problem, our technicians are always ready to help with same-day and 24/7 emergency service.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment or request an estimate.
Santa Maria AC Refrigerant Leak Services
Refrigerant leaks are one of the most common air conditioner problems homeowners face. However, they’re not always easy to detect. Here are the typical signs with which you can identify a refrigerant leak.
Warm Air
When you get warm air blowing from the vents despite the thermostat setting, make sure your system isn’t set to “heat and that the fan setting is set to “auto.” Lastly, check the air filter to see if it needs changing. If everything looks normal, you likely have a refrigerant leak.
Bubbling or Hissing Sounds
Sometimes, when refrigerant leaks, you may notice a bubbling or hissing noise coming from the lines behind the outdoor condenser unit. This is a serious problem because refrigerant is a toxic chemical, so keep your children and pets away until you can get help from a certified HVAC professional.
High Indoor Humidity
Many people don’t realize it, but your air conditioner is also responsible for reducing indoor humidity as much as for cooling. So, if you have a refrigerant leak, your system will lose the ability to cool your home properly, but you’ll notice higher than normal humidity levels.
Frozen Evaporator Coil
Your air conditioner passes refrigerant through the indoor evaporator coil to absorb heat from the indoor air as it blows over the coil. When refrigerant levels are low, it can’t absorb heat effectively, and the coil freezes. Call a certified HVAC technician to diagnose the problem when your evaporator coil is frozen.
Unfortunately, air conditioner refrigerant leak repair isn’t a DIY project; you need the help of a trained professional to do the job right and for everyone’s safety.
When you need a new air conditioner installation, you can trust the professionals at Jerry’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.
Can You Still Get a Freon Replacement?
R-22 Freon was the standard refrigerant used in the industry for decades until it was banned for sale in the United States in January of 2020 over environmental concerns. And because of that, if you need a Freon recharge, you’re limited by what stock remains, which is dwindling quickly.
So, if you have an air conditioner that relies on Freon and you need service, you have three options.
The first option is to get a Freon recharge, provided supplies exist when you need them. However, because supplies are limited and no more is being made or imported, prices continually rise. In many cases, getting a Freon recharge is cost-prohibitive, and you’re better off upgrading your old air conditioner to a new model.
The next option is to modify your existing system to accommodate newer refrigerants, like R410a or Puron. But, like getting a Freon recharge, modifying your system may not be worth it, especially if it’s over 15 years old. Retrofitting old air conditioners typically requires overhauling the entire system, and because of the expense, it’s usually more economical to scrap it and install a new one.
Lastly, you can replace your R22 system with a new one, which, as we’ve seen, is usually the more sensible option. Getting a new system has many perks, including greater energy efficiency and longer lifespans, and they’re easier to get parts for.