What Is the Common Fault of an Air Conditioner?

Refrigerant Leaks: The Most Common AC Fault

What Is Refrigerant and Why Is It Important?

Refrigerant is a chemical compound that absorbs heat from inside your home and releases it outside, allowing your air conditioner to cool your space. Without the proper amount of refrigerant, your AC system won’t be able to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.

Signs of an AC Refrigerant Leak

A refrigerant leak can cause several air conditioning problems. Here are the most common signs to watch for:

• Reduced Cooling Power: If your air conditioning unit is running but not producing cool air effectively, low refrigerant levels could be to blame.
• Longer Cooling Cycles: Your air conditioner might take longer than usual to generate the cold air your home needs, leading to higher energy bills.
• Higher Humidity Levels: The cooling process helps remove excess moisture from the air. A leak can cause your home to feel more humid than usual.
• Hissing or Bubbling Sounds: If you hear hissing or bubbling noises coming from your AC unit, this could indicate a refrigerant leak.
• Frozen Evaporator Coil: Low refrigerant levels can cause the evaporator coil to freeze, reducing airflow and cooling efficiency.
• Unexplained Increase in Energy Bills: The entire AC unit must work harder when it doesn’t have the right amount of refrigerant, using more energy and increasing your electricity costs.

If you notice any of these signs from your air conditioner, it’s time to call Grove Heating & Cooling for air conditioning repair to diagnose refrigerant issues and fix them right away.

What Causes a Refrigerant Leak?

Refrigerant leaks typically occur due to:

Corrosion in the Refrigerant Lines

Over time, the copper coils that hold the refrigerant can develop tiny pinhole leaks due to corrosion.

Manufacturing Defects

Some air conditioners may have defective refrigerant coils or connections that lead to leaks over time.

Improper Installation

If an AC unit is not installed correctly, it may develop leaks due to weak or faulty connections.

Wear and Tear

As an air conditioner ages, the connections and seals around the refrigerant lines can degrade, leading to leaks.

What to Do If You Suspect a Refrigerant Leak

If you think your air conditioner has a refrigerant leak, you should:

1. Turn Off Your AC Unit: Running the system with low refrigerant can cause further damage.
2. Call a Professional HVAC Technician: Grove Heating & Cooling can test your air conditioner for leaks in the refrigerant lines or other components to find the exact source of the problem.
3. Consider Repair or Replacement: In some cases, small leaks can be repaired, but if your system has multiple leaks or is aging, replacing the AC unit may be the best option.

Since refrigerant is a controlled substance, handling it requires EPA certification—meaning refrigerant leaks should always be addressed by a licensed HVAC professional.

Other Common Air Conditioner Problems

While refrigerant leaks are one of the most common air conditioner issues, several other problems can lead to poor performance.

Dirty Evaporator Coils

The evaporator coil is responsible for absorbing heat from your indoor air. Over time, dust and dirt can accumulate on the coil, reducing its ability to transfer heat effectively. Regular AC maintenance from Grove includes coil cleaning to reduce the likelihood of air conditioner problems caused by dirty coils.

Frozen Evaporator Coil

An evaporator coil can freeze due to low refrigerant levels, dirty coils, or restricted airflow from clogged air filters or blocked vents. When this happens, turn off your AC and let the coil thaw. Check for airflow restrictions and replace the dirty air filter if needed. If freezing persists, call us for air conditioner repair.

Clogged Condensate Drain Line

Your AC removes moisture from the air, and the condensation collects in a drain pan before being expelled through the condensate drain line. If this line becomes clogged with dirt, algae, or debris, clear it using a wet or dry vacuum. If you cannot remove the blockage, contact us for AC repairs.

Electrical Issues

Air conditioners rely on various electrical components, including capacitors, relays, and wiring. If any of these parts fail, your AC may fail to start or randomly shut off, make clicking or buzzing noises, or blow warm air instead of cold air. Electrical issues should always be handled by a professional. Attempting DIY electrical repairs can be dangerous.

AC Fan and Motor Problems

Your air conditioner has two fans: the blower motor and fan inside your home circulate cool air, and the condenser fan motor in the outdoor unit expels heat. If either fan fails or slows down, your AC won’t function properly. If you notice weak or no airflow from vents or strange noises from the AC unit, contact us to repair the issue.

Leaking or Low Airflow from Ductwork

Leaky air ducts can cause your AC to lose cool air before it reaches your rooms, making your system work harder. If you experience uneven cooling between rooms, higher energy bills, or dust buildup around vents, have our HVAC technicians inspect and seal leaks in the ductwork.

Call Grove Heating & Cooling for AC Repairs

If your air conditioner is showing signs of a refrigerant leak, frozen coil, clogged condensate line, or electrical malfunction, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. At Grove Heating & Cooling, we offer expert AC repair services to diagnose and fix the issue quickly, ensuring your home stays cool and comfortable.

Schedule your AC service today—contact Grove Heating & Cooling now!