AC Refrigerant Leak: Signs and What to Do

In Northern Colorado, it is common for ACs to experience late-season strain if the system is running low on refrigerant. A system may have coped with low refrigerant levels when temperatures were lower in the early summer, but the sustained afternoon heat is too much. Our wide temperature swings can also mask leaks during the early stages because homes can recover overnight. 

Identifying AC refrigerant leak signs now means you can make a considered decision before next summer arrives. If you are unsure if a leak is present, you can always reach out to Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing for a professional inspection.

Refrigerant Does Not Get Used Up

So, why does my AC keep losing refrigerant? Many homeowners assume that ACs use refrigerant like a car uses oil. However, this is not the case. Technicians do not have to top off refrigerant lines like you top off oil. Because refrigerant circulates in a sealed loop, the only way for the levels to be low is if a leak exists.

Simply adding refrigerant without finding the leak would be a waste of money. To stop this problem from recurring, it is essential to understand the AC refrigerant leak signs, schedule a proper diagnosis, and get the leak fixed.

How a Refrigerant Leak Shows Up

Most of the time, low refrigerant symptoms in an AC are relatively subtle. The problem will not simply announce itself, so the symptoms can gradually build over time. If you notice the following signs, it is time to schedule refrigerant maintenance and repairs.

• Cooling That Has Weakened Gradually: Low refrigerant levels can make a house take longer to reach the set temperature. You may notice that air coming from the vents is not as cold as normal.
• Longer Run Times With Fewer Results: Even though your system seems to be running nonstop, your performance levels have not improved.
• Ice on the Indoor Coil or the Refrigerant Lines: When pressure levels drop inside the coil, the temperature can fall below freezing. In turn, this can cause ice to build up on the coil or lines.
• Water Around the Indoor Unit: After iced-up coils and lines melt, you may notice water around the indoor unit.
• Hissing or Bubbling Noises: A hissing or bubbling sound near the line set or indoor unit can occur when refrigerant escapes from a leak.
• Short Cycling or Safety Shutdown: When pressure levels are outside a safe operating range, it can trigger a protective shutdown.
• Rising Cooling Costs: A leak may be present if you experience rising cooling costs without any accompanying change in habits.
• Oily Residue at the Connections or the Outdoor Unit: Because refrigerant carries oil, you may notice an oily residue if it leaks out of your system.

Where Leaks Usually Happen

There are a handful of common locations where leaks most often occur, which makes detecting the leak easier.

• Evaporator Coil: Formicary corrosion can cause pinhole leaks that are challenging to locate and costly to fix.
• Condenser Coil: Due to outdoor weather exposure, debris, and physical damage, condenser coils are also a common location for leaks.
• Line Set Connections, Flare Fittings, and Service Valves: All of these locations can develop leaks due to wear, deterioration, or vibration.
• Line Set: The location where the line set passes through walls can develop leaks. Leaks can also occur if the line set becomes damaged. 
• Schrader Valves and Access Ports: While these leaks are relatively common, they are known for being comparatively easy to find.

The location of the leak will affect how hard it is to find and the cost of repairs. This is the main reason why our technicians must locate the leak before we can create an accurate quote.

Why Topping Off Is Not a Repair

If you have an AC refrigerant leak in Fort Collins, you cannot simply top off the unit. Adding refrigerant will make it appear to run fine temporarily until the refrigerant escapes again. Over time, low refrigerant causes the compressor to work harder and run longer. This can eventually result in a compressor failure.

Repeated recharges add up over time. Rather than spend money on them, it makes more sense to invest in an actual fix or replacement. Our team can quickly locate the leak, evaluate whether a repair is necessary, then perform the recommended repair or replacement. Once the refrigerant lines are sealed, we can recharge the unit to the manufacturer’s specifications.

How a Technician Finds a Leak

Our technicians locate leaks through a methodical process. We start by taking system pressure and temperature readings to verify that a refrigerant problem exists. Then, we’ll inspect for signs of physical damage or oil residue. When necessary, we may use electronic leak detection, ultraviolet dye, or nitrogen pressure testing to find the source of the problem. Often, diagnosing leaks in the evaporator coil takes the longest because the coil sits inside the air handler cabinet.

Once we’ve determined the source, we can recommend the best path forward. In most cases, the next step is either a fitting repair, coil replacement, or AC replacement.

What Refrigerant Changes Mean for Your Repair

Refrigerant rules have been changing, and some homeowners have heard conflicting things. On January 1, 2025, the manufacture and import of new residential R-410A systems ended. Instead, new residential equipment now uses lower-GWP A2L refrigerants, like R-454B and R-32.

If you are worried about an AC Freon leak and your current system, there is no cause for concern. Your R-410A system remains legal to operate and service. The only difference is that refrigerant supply can tighten over time for older systems. If you have an aging system that requires significant repairs, this means that there is one extra factor to consider.

It should also be noted that A2L refrigerants cannot be used with an R-410A system. If you want to switch to an A2L refrigerant, you’ll need to replace the AC first.

FAQs

Does my AC need refrigerant? What are the signs of low Freon in an AC? To get a better understanding of how refrigerant repairs work and when an AC replacement is needed, check out some of our most frequently asked questions.

Does an AC need refrigerant added regularly? 

No. Because refrigerant circulates in a closed system, low levels mean there is a leak. 

Can I still run my AC with a refrigerant leak? 

While the unit will run if you have an AC refrigerant leak in Fort Collins, it creates strain on the compressor and leads to poor cooling performance. As a result, the best option is to get a professional diagnosis instead of continuing to run the unit.

Is a refrigerant leak dangerous to my family?

With most residential leaks, refrigerant disperses into the air instead of accumulating. Because of this, the biggest danger is to your equipment and bottom line. However, it is important to note that A2L refrigerants are mildly flammable, so timely leak repairs are necessary.

How long does leak detection take? 

It can vary based on the location. While a fitting or valve leak can be located relatively quickly, small evaporator leaks take more time and require more thorough testing.

Should I repair the leak or replace the system? 

It all depends on the location of the leak, the age of the equipment, and how repair costs compare to a replacement. A technician can help you compare repair costs to the price of a new AC unit.

Fix Your Refrigerant Leaks

Experiencing AC refrigerant leak signs in Fort Collins or Loveland? Balance Point offers same-day diagnostics with upfront pricing. Plus, our Whole Home Comfort Plan makes it easier to detect and prevent future leaks.

Our team will locate the leak, explain the problem, and walk you through the repair and replacement options with no pressure.