How Refrigerant Leaks Can Damage Your AC in Dover, OH

A hissing sound from your HVAC system, insufficient cooling, your unit consistently producing humid indoor air, and long cooling cycles are some of the most common signs that may indicate your AC unit in Dover, OH has a refrigerant leak. If not handled early, refrigerant leaks can result in damage to some of your AC unit’s components or even cause your AC unit to break down altogether. The following are ways in which refrigerant leaks can damage your air conditioner.

Damage to the Compressor

The compressor has an electric motor that depends on the refrigerant for cooling. If your AC unit has a leak, there eventually won’t be enough refrigerant to cool the electric motor. This can cause the compressor to overheat, which may lead to damage.

If you don’t address issues with the leak and allow the compressor to continue running, it will eventually burn out and need replacement. A damaged compressor will not properly regulate the flow of refrigerant in your air conditioner. This can cause warm air to come out of the vents, making your home less comfortable.

Frozen Evaporator Coils

Refrigerant leaks result in less or no refrigerant passing through the evaporator coils. This makes it harder for the AC to transfer heat and remove it from your home.

Low refrigerant levels can also result in a drop in pressure inside your AC unit’s evaporator coils, which can cause the coils’ temperature to drop dramatically. The moisture in the air then accumulates on the evaporator coils and eventually condenses and freezes.

A frozen evaporator coil results in inefficient heat absorption, leading to inadequate temperature regulation in your Dover, OH home. This is why scheduling regular maintenance services for your air conditioner is essential. It is also vital to constantly monitor and adjust your AC unit’s refrigerant levels.

Decrease in Performance

If the leak is not repaired immediately, the refrigerant can trickle through the system, gradually causing damage to your AC unit’s wiring. This can lead to poor electrical performance. It also results in a decrease in airflow and reduced performance by your air conditioner.

Contact Dover Phila Heating and Cooling today to schedule AC repair services in Dover, OH. Our technicians will carefully evaluate your AC unit to ascertain the source of the refrigerant leak and provide a solution. Our team will also help you with any necessary replacements to ensure your AC runs at peak performance.

Image provided by iStock