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AC Repair: A Look At AC Refrigerant Leaks | Irving, TX

AC Repair: A Look At AC Refrigerant Leaks | Irving, TX

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Although most AC units can last for quite some time, they will eventually run into some problems. Knowing what the most common problems are can allow you to prepare for them. One of the most common problems that require AC repair is refrigerant leaks.

All AC units contain refrigerant. This is needed to ensure that the system runs efficiently. It will cause her to be released from the air in order to cool it. All AC units will usually already be charged with refrigerant before it is installed in your home. As you run your AC unit, it will slowly use up more and more refrigerant. Once the systems refrigerant falls below a certain level, you’ll need to fill it up again.

Your regular annual service should always check the refrigerant level. This way, the refrigerant is always filled up before anything can go awry. There’s also ensuring that your Irving, TX AC unit runs efficiently and accurately as possible.

Signs of a Refrigerant Leak

It’s always best if you can catch a refrigerant leak early on. The earlier that you were able to fix the problem, the easier it will be to fix. Fortunately, the signs of a refrigerant leak are usually rather obvious.

All you have to do is look near the vents. If you feel that the air moving through the vents is either weak or warm, you might have a refrigerant leak. Unfortunately, this is not a definitive sign. We could warm air can also be caused by a clogged filter or other issues with your ductwork.

You should also look for holes or cracks in the AC unit. This is where the refrigerant will escape from. If there is a refrigerant leak, you should be able to hear a hissing sound. That’s another sign of a refrigerant leak is if your utility bills have become more and more expensive.

With that said, it’s not always easy to notice the signs of a refrigerant leak. Due to this reason, it’s always better to rely on professional opinion and help. If you notice that there’s something wrong with your AC unit, call a professional to perform and AC repair immediately. During the repair service, the contractor will be able to let you know whether there’s a refrigerant leak and whether the leak is a big one or a small one.

Causes of AC Refrigerant Leaks

Not surprisingly, refrigerant leaks are actually one of the most common types of AC problems that homeowners in Irving, TX will run into. Due to this reason, most HVAC companies already know how to easily solve this issue. AC repair services regarding this issue will usually only take a day to complete.

There are many reasons why the refrigerant in your AC system may be leaking. Below, will look at a few of the most common causes of AC refrigerant leaks, as well as the AC repair services that are most often recommended for solving these issues.

Issues with Parts

It’s not uncommon for your AC system to sustain some type of wear and tear with time. In fact, this is something that is going to definitely happen. As your AC system ages, the rubber seals surrounding the valves will start to wear out and leak. Other components may also become loose. On top of all of this, external components may also start to rest as well.

The most common reason for a refrigerant leak is wear and tear. This can’t be helped.

The best thing that you can do is to call an AC repair service. The contractors will be able to take the AC unit apart in order to carefully inspect every single component. They’ll be able to figure out whether any of the components have rusted or become loose. In general, to be able to replace any parts that have started to age.

Refrigerant leaks that are due to wear and tear usually only involve simple AC repairs. The most complicated issue is if the external components have rusted. In this situation, you’ll need to replace more components.

A Pin Hole Leak

Another common cause for a refrigerant leak is a pinhole leak. This happens when acid within the AC unit eats away at the copper tubing. Usually, these type of leaks will show up much later down the road, so the good news is that you won’t have to deal with pinhole leaks if your AC unit is still fairly new.

The bad news, however, is that AC repair services for these types of issues tend to be rather costly. The leaks will usually come together and become a big issue. It’s also not a simple easy problem to fix. Depending on how bad the problem is, you may not be able to fix it at all and you may need to replace the entire AC unit instead.

Improper Installation

One of the main reasons why it’s so important to get your AC unit installed by a licensed company is because the contractor must be properly educated on how to install the unit. If the unit is improperly installed, you are more likely to run into refrigerant leaks down the road. This happens if the refrigerant lines are not properly installed or secured.

Depending on how poorly the AC unit was installed, the damage can be rather significant. If the improper installation has also caused resting and corrosion within the AC unit, then you could be faced with a very hefty repair bill.

Most HVAC companies will need to solve the issue by performing AC repair services that secure the line. Some contractors may decide to reinstall the entire unit instead. However, this can only happen if the unit is still in good condition.

Vibrations

Many people don’t realize this, but if the AC unit is not properly installed or secured, it will vibrate. These minor vibrations can easily cause many other different components within the AC unit to become misaligned. This can cause the refrigerant to leak out. It will also eventually cause some type of wear and tear to the copper tubing.

If vibrations are the main cause of the problem, the Irving, TX HVAC company will need to first perform AC repair services on anything that’s damaged. They might have to switch out the copper tubing for new ones. After they’ve solved the more immediate issues, they’ll need to take a look at the AC unit in order to figure out whether they need to reinstall or re-secure the unit.

Repair or Replace

If you’re ever dealing with refrigerant leak, then you’ll likely need to consider whether it’s better to perform an AC repair or whether it’s better if you replace the entire AC unit. There are pros and cons to both solutions.

If the damage is not too severe, then you should highly consider getting an AC repair service instead. However, you must confirm with the HVAC company that the AC repair service will be worth it. Ask the HVAC company whether they will be willing to guarantee their work. You should also ask them about the parts that they are planning to install. Make sure that the parts are branded and that the AC unit will run smoothly once the replacement parts have been installed.

With that said, sometimes, the better solution is not to get an AC repair service, but to call an HVAC company in order to replace the AC unit completely. In this situation, you should get a new unit. You’ll need to first consider the cost of the AC repair compared with the cost of installing a new AC unit. If the classes are relatively similar, then your best bet will be to replace the unit. This way, you won’t have to waste a lot of money on future repairs and services.

Another thing that you need to consider is whether the unit is functioning efficiently. Even if it is more costly to install a new unit, you might want to go ahead with that if your current AC system is not very efficient. Switching to environmentally friendly alternatives may even help you save money on your annual energy bills. In a way, the savings will add up and pay for the new installation. You’ll also be able to enjoy a higher quality of living.

Choosing a Replacement

In the event that you decide to go with a replacement, you really need to consider whether you’re going to go with the same unit or whether you’re going to go for a completely different system. If you already have existing ductwork, then you have more choices. However, if you don’t, then you’ll have your choices.

When considering a replacement, one of the first things that you need to consider as what the AC unit will be able to offer you. You should look for AC units that have more alternatives and features. For example, some AC units now have smart thermostats. These thermostats will be able to control and regulate the temperature within each room. They’ll be able to also help you save a lot of money.

If you have any further questions on the type of AC unit that you should choose, you should always speak with the HVAC company. Not only will they be able to help you find a suitable replacement, but they will also be able to help you get rid of your old unit in a safe manner.

Dangers of Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerant leaks are not only damaging to your AC unit. They can also be very damaging to your health as well. In fact, this is one of the main concerns. It’s also why homeowners are urged to get AC repair services immediately if they notice that there’s a refrigerant leak. This is definitely not something that you want to put off.

Refrigerant, also known as Freon, contains harmful chemicals that not only affects the air quality, but can also affect your body. Unfortunately, the chemicals that are inside refrigerant are tasteless and odorless. Even if you inhale it, you won’t know until it’s too late.

Refrigerant poisoning is a very serious thing. It could lead to a whole host of side effects like:

  • Difficulties breathing
  • Headaches
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Skin and eye irritation
  • Coughing
  • Buildup of fluid in the lungs
  • Confusion
  • Seizure
  • Loss of consciousness

More importantly, if refrigerant poisoning is left untreated, it could actually lead to some life-threatening issues. Unfortunately, many people don’t even realize that they have refrigerant poisoning. They might confuse it as having the flu or being a little sick. With that said, now that you’re aware of the symptoms of refrigerant poisoning, you should definitely call the doctor if you suspect that you are afflicted with this condition.

Call One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Dallas for AC Repair Services in Irving, TX

If you’re looking for any type of AC repair services in Irving, TX, you should check out One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Dallas. We are one of the most reputable HVAC companies in the area, and we also serve many neighboring cities as well. We can definitely easily solve issues that are related to refrigerant leaks with no problem at all. Most importantly, we’re able to guarantee our work. If the leak is not repaired, we will definitely take responsibility.

One of the best things about our company is that all of our contractors are licensed and insured. They have also undergone a background check and receive ongoing training, so they’re constantly aware of the latest solutions that are available.

In addition to refrigerant leaks, we also offer a wide range of other AC repair services as well. It doesn’t matter what’s wrong with your AC unit. One of our contractors will be able to diagnose the problem in no time and come up with solutions for different budgets and needs. If you call us at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Dallas for AC repair services, you can rest assured that you’re in good hands. We have a great reputation and a lot of positive reviews.