Leaking refrigerant isn’t like other fluid leaks. For instance, if you have a water leak, you can sponge it up and shut off the water until the pipe gets fixed. Refrigerant, on the other hand, is much more emergent. You can’t simply lay down some towels and address the issue later; you need to contact an HVAC company immediately.
Reasons You Shouldn’t DIY Refrigerant Leaks
HVAC refrigerant is wonderful as long as it’s contained in refrigerant lines. Once it starts leaking, you need air conditioning repair from a professional for several reasons.
Leaks Can Be Hard To Detect
You might have noticed poor AC performance and suspect the issue may be leaking refrigerant but simply can’t find the source. This is where specialized equipment and detection tools come in handy.
There is the traditional “soap bubble” method, which uses a spray bottle of soapy water to reveal bubbles coming from the lines, but modern techniques are more advanced. Techs these days can use infrared and ultrasonic detection devices, which are much more precise.
Refrigerant Can Be Dangerous
Humans do not react well to refrigerant exposure. Coming into contact with refrigerant can result in refrigerant poisoning, which may cause asphyxiation, burn-like wounds, vision loss, stomach pain, fainting, and swelling of the throat.
Unless you are trained to handle refrigerant, you should avoid it. Wait for the techs to arrive so they can fix your refrigerant leaks safely.
Your System Can Be Severely Damaged
Poor AC performance is annoying, but refrigerant leaks cause more than discomfort. AC systems rely on refrigerant pressure to operate, and when there’s less in the lines than there should be, it can lead to problems such as compressor failure.
Professional HVAC techs can refill the refrigerant, patch the line, and ensure the system is back at the proper pressure.
Refrigerant Leaks Can Damage the Environment
Even though modern refrigerant is more environmentally friendly than older refrigerant types such as R-12 and R-134A, it can still contribute to climate change and cause harm to local wildlife. You should leave refrigerant cleanup to HVAC techs who know how to handle such toxic substances.
You Will Protect Your Warranty Coverage
Your AC manufacturer likely requires certified techs to do work on your system as part of your warranty coverage. If you try fixing refrigerant leaks yourself, this will probably void your warranty and require future repairs to be paid for out of your own pocket.
You Will Save Money
When it comes to refrigerant leaks, DIY will almost always end up costing you more. The average homeowner won’t be able to quickly source the right parts and may not be able to install them correctly. Accessing refrigerant tanks and the equipment to recharge a system will also be expensive or difficult to come by.
Trust Conway Comfort Heating & Cooling to Fix Refrigerant Leaks
When refrigerant starts leaking, don’t wait to contact Conway Comfort Heating & Cooling for air conditioner repair. Our experienced techs will be dispatched quickly and take care of your leak, protecting you and your AC system. Trust the experts and get in touch with Conway Comfort Heating & Cooling!
