Homeowners in Aurora rely on their air conditioning to stay cool during the hottest months of the year. But when your system isn’t working right, especially in the middle of summer, things can get uncomfortable fast. One hidden issue that often leads to AC breakdowns is a refrigerant leak. This problem doesn’t always surface right away, but over time it can lead to serious damage and rising electric bills. Knowing what causes refrigerant issues can help you stay a step ahead.
Refrigerant is what helps your AC pull heat out of your home and keep each room at the set temperature. Without the right amount of it flowing through the coils and lines, your system just can’t do its job. If you’re constantly turning the thermostat down, but your house still feels warm, a refrigerant leak could be to blame. Let’s look closer at what causes them in Aurora homes and what signs to watch for.
Common Causes of AC Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant leaks don’t happen for one reason. There are several different sources behind them, and some are less obvious than others. Understanding what causes these leaks can help you notice small issues before they turn into bigger ones later on.
1. Worn or Corroded Lines
Over time, the copper and aluminum lines that carry refrigerant can wear down. This can happen simply due to age or from exposure to outside elements like moisture and salt air. Small holes or weak spots can open up and allow refrigerant to slowly release.
2. Improper AC Installation
An AC system that was not installed correctly can lead to refrigerant leaks sooner than expected. If the installer over-tightened a connector or failed to seal a joint properly, it can cause stress on the piping. That stress eventually breaks the seal, forcing refrigerant to leak out.
3. Factory Defects
On occasion, a system can have a leak directly out of the box. Weak welds, flawed joints, or cracks in the AC coil can result from manufacturing errors that affect the unit’s ability to hold refrigerant.
4. Physical Damage
Accidental damage to the AC system, like from yard tools or falling branches, can pierce a refrigerant line. Even pests chewing on outdoor units may contribute to small damage that is hard to spot at first.
If your AC system is relatively new but already having cooling problems, poor installation or a factory flaw might be the reason. For older systems, worn lines are one of the more common culprits. Either way, it’s not a problem that goes away on its own.
Signs Your AC Might Have a Refrigerant Leak
Refrigerant leaks can be hard to spot early on. But there are some clear red flags that can point to a problem before the system fails completely. If you notice any of the following in your Aurora home, it is likely time to have a technician take a closer look.
– Weak airflow: You may feel warm air or much less airflow than before, even with the system running.
– Increased runtime: If your unit runs for long periods without cooling the room efficiently, refrigerant could be low.
– Ice buildup: Frost or ice forming on the refrigerant lines or evaporator coil is often a sign that the refrigerant level is off.
– Hissing sounds: High-pitched noises can mean there is a hole or crack in the refrigerant line.
– Higher power bills: When refrigerant is low, the system works harder to cool the space, which adds to your monthly energy use.
An example might be a homeowner in Aurora who notices ice building up on the AC unit outside even on a warm day. This often points to poor refrigerant flow and calls for a professional inspection right away.
Recognizing these signs early helps prevent further damage to the AC system and avoids more expensive repairs. Acting quickly is the best way to keep your unit in good shape through the hottest parts of the summer.
Consequences of Ignoring Refrigerant Leaks
Letting a refrigerant leak go unchecked can cause more than just comfort issues. It starts with reduced cooling and longer run times, but the longer it is ignored, the more strain your system takes on. That extended stress can lead to breakdowns when you need the AC the most.
One of the first things many homeowners in Aurora notice is a sharp rise in energy bills. Since the system has to run longer to cool the space, it draws more power. What might seem like a minor increase in runtime can grow into a steep expense over a full month. Leaks do not repair themselves or stop on their own, so the cost just keeps climbing until action is taken.
If the leak continues, the pressure inside the system drops. That puts extra strain on the compressor, one of the most expensive parts to replace. If the compressor fails, it may require a full system replacement, especially if the current unit is older. Fixing the leak early can help avoid a major investment later.
Refrigerant leaks can also affect indoor air quality. Over time, the AC unit struggles to keep humidity levels in check, especially when refrigerant is low. Too much moisture indoors can lead to musty smells and even mildew growth near vents or damp areas of your home. Left long enough, this can affect your health and require added cleanup once the system is repaired.
Professional Solutions for Refrigerant Leaks
If you suspect a leak, the best step is to schedule a full system inspection. Diagnosing a refrigerant leak involves more than a quick glance. Our technicians use specialized equipment to detect even the smallest signs of leakage. Once the source is pinpointed, we seal the affected area and recharge the system with the correct type and amount of refrigerant.
Here is what a typical repair service includes:
– Visual inspection of all accessible refrigerant lines and joints
– System pressure testing to confirm leak presence and location
– Application of safe sealing agents to stop minor leaks
– Replacement of damaged lines or coils, if needed
– Recharging and balancing refrigerant to proper levels
– System performance testing after repair
In some cases, the technician may discover other issues that contributed to the leak, such as loose fittings or worn O-rings. Addressing those at the same time helps prevent short-term repeat problems. For older AC systems with multiple performance issues, replacement may eventually become the better long-term option. But in many cases, targeted repairs restore full function without the need for major changes.
Regular AC maintenance is one of the easiest ways to spot issues before they lead to bigger problems. Our technicians can check the refrigerant levels, inspect all connections, and ensure your system runs at peak performance.
Keeping Your Aurora Home Cool and Efficient
If your AC is not keeping up, and you have noticed signs like warm airflow or ice buildup, a refrigerant leak could be the reason. Taking quick action is the best way to avoid larger issues. Waiting too long does not just make it harder to stay comfortable, it can lead to expensive repairs, higher utility bills, and even health concerns due to humidity or poor airflow.
To stay ahead of trouble, consider scheduling yearly maintenance. Routine checks help catch tiny leaks before they turn into major ones. Even if your system seems fine now, preventive maintenance can provide peace of mind through hot weather and prevent headaches later in the season.
With many Aurora homes relying on central AC throughout the summer, keeping the system sealed, charged, and professionally maintained helps protect both your comfort and budget. If you suspect a problem or just want to make sure everything is running right, now is the time to act.
For homeowners dealing with ongoing cooling problems and indications of refrigerant issues, scheduling professional AC repair in Aurora can help restore reliable comfort and prevent further strain on your system. At Amazing Air Inc., our technicians use a detailed diagnostic approach to uncover the root cause and ensure your unit is working the way it should. For a quick estimate or to book a service visit, please contact us today.
