When you’re depending on your HVAC system to keep your house warm in the middle of a Burlington winter, the last thing you want is a surprise. Refrigerant leaks can be one of those surprises, and not the kind that’s easy to spot. Even in cold weather, when most people think less about cooling and more about heating, refrigerant still plays an important role if you’re using a heat pump.
A refrigerant leak happens when the liquid or gas that’s used to move heat through your system escapes. Over time, low refrigerant levels can cause your system to work harder than it should or stop working at all. Cold weather doesn’t make these leaks disappear. In some cases, it can make the problem worse or delay detection. That’s why catching small signs early really matters.
Why Refrigerant Matters in Cold Weather
Not every system cools and heats your home the same way. Some homes in Burlington use traditional gas furnaces during winter, but many rely on heat pump services, which use refrigerant all year long. With a heat pump, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the outside air, even when it’s cold, and moves it inside to warm your home.
- Heat pumps need enough refrigerant to gather and transfer heat properly.
- Low refrigerant levels make the system less reliable, especially in freezing temps.
- Unlike older systems, modern heat pumps are built to work during cold stretches.
If the refrigerant drops too low, the heat pump can’t grab enough warmth from outside. That can mean colder air in your living space, longer run times, and more strain on the unit. Which is why keeping refrigerant at normal levels is just as important when it’s 20 degrees outside as it is during a summer heatwave. Being aware of this critical function is key for every homeowner relying on heat pump technology throughout an unpredictable winter.
Common Causes of Refrigerant Leaks During Winter
Winter puts your system through a different kind of stress. The metal components of your HVAC setup naturally expand and contract with temperature changes. Over time, that back-and-forth can weaken connections or create small cracks where refrigerant can escape.
- Metal joints and seals may loosen with temperature drops.
- Small flaws from summer use can grow into leaks by winter.
- Strain from frequent on-off cycles can push systems past their limits.
It’s not only older systems that experience trouble; newer systems can still develop leaks if improperly installed or not maintained. In some cases, leaks aren’t just about old parts. If your HVAC system wasn’t installed quite right or wasn’t serviced often, the added strain of winter use can speed up wear and tear. A bit of overlooked corrosion or a worn valve can lead to ongoing refrigerant loss and heat that never seems to catch up with the cold. Even a tiny hole can let out enough refrigerant to affect your indoor comfort, so winter can’t be underestimated as a factor in new or ongoing leaks.
Signs You May Have a Refrigerant Leak
One of the biggest challenges with refrigerant issues is that the signs often feel minor at first. But they can add up fast, especially when the temperature keeps dropping, and your system is running longer to compensate.
- Air from your vents feels lukewarm, even on full heat.
- You hear bubbling or hissing around the outdoor unit or copper lines.
- The unit starts and stops more often or runs constantly without warming well
- Your heating bill suddenly climbs with no clear reason
It is not always easy to know exactly what is going wrong, but when your system starts acting up or your bills make no sense, these signs could point to a leak. You don’t have to check the refrigerant level yourself to know something might be off. A change in heating comfort, backed by strange noises or rising energy bills, is enough to take notice. It’s your system’s way of asking for help before bigger problems take hold. Sometimes, condensation or unusual frost can also be a clue, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for small changes in how your system operates, especially in bitterly cold periods.
What to Do If You Think You Have a Leak
Once you suspect a leak, the best thing to do is stop guessing. Refrigerant issues aren’t something to handle on your own, especially in the middle of winter. Not only is it hard to access the right testing tools, but working with refrigerants can also be unsafe without the correct experience. For safety and compliance, it’s smart to understand the EPA guidelines on refrigerant handling before any work is done.
Here’s what a typical check might include:
- Visual inspection of joints and connections
- Pressure testing to confirm refrigerant loss
- Looking for signs of oil residue around coils or fittings
- Recharging the system and checking for repeat leaks
All of this should be done by an HVAC technician. Leaving a leak unresolved can do more than undercut your comfort; it can actually damage the compressor or other high-cost parts of your system over time. And that’s a fix that takes more time and money than early repair. Sometimes a technician might discover the root cause quickly, but other times it might take a few steps to locate the source. Either way, quick attention limits further damage to your heating and cooling equipment and protects your comfort through winter.
How Cold Weather in Burlington Affects Repairs and Response Times
During winter in Burlington, HVAC service work naturally ramps up. That means longer scheduling times, especially during snow or ice events. Weather can slow down service because technicians need daylight and dry conditions to safely access outdoor equipment.
- Repairs may be delayed during or after snowstorms.
- Frozen components can limit what work is possible outside.
- The sooner a problem is reported, the faster it can be resolved.
Getting ahead of any suspected refrigerant issue can save you from waiting in the cold. A small leak today could grow worse tomorrow, especially when your system is already working overtime to beat the chill. Quick action keeps things manageable instead of overwhelming. If outdoor temperatures dip especially low, ice buildup on the unit might prevent some repairs from being tackled immediately, so timing makes a big difference.
Sometimes, simple steps like ensuring the area around your outdoor unit is clear of snow and debris help speed up service. While you can’t stop winter weather from happening, noticing issues and calling for help before extreme cold sets in can mean a much smoother and faster solution for your home. Don’t wait for conditions to worsen before acting.
Stay Ahead to Stay Warm This Winter
Knowing the early signs of a refrigerant leak helps avoid heat loss when you need your system most. Even when your heating appears to work, it may be running harder and longer than necessary if refrigerant levels are low. That kind of strain shows up on your bills and in the overall comfort of your house.
Even if your heat doesn’t feel as cozy as last year, it could be a sign your system is struggling with a leak. Staying alert for changes and calling in help when something feels off means you’re not leaving warmth to chance. For Burlington homeowners, a better start to winter begins with a system that’s steady, safe, and ready to handle the cold without hidden trouble. Prevention and quick reaction both make a difference when winter’s in full swing, and temperatures hover near freezing.
When temperatures drop, and your home’s warmth becomes a priority, don’t let possible refrigerant leaks disrupt your comfort. These hidden issues can lead to inefficiency and rising energy costs, especially in the heart of winter. At Conway Comfort Heating & Cooling, we’re committed to ensuring your heating system runs smoothly and effectively. If you notice lukewarm air from your vents or unexplained increases in your heating bills, reach out to us for expert assistance before minor leaks turn into major problems.
