Refrigerant leaks are a serious issue in Singapore, where air conditioning systems often work overtime due to the country's tropical climate. If your aircon isn’t cooling and there’s a sweet smell in the air, it might be due to a refrigerant leak. This is hazardous to both your health and the environment, so addressing the issue quickly is crucial.
Why Aircon Gas Leaks Can Happen?
Air conditioners rely on refrigerant gas to cool the air. However, leaks can eventually occur due to varies of factor—from damaged refrigerant pipes, poor installation, to lack of maintenance.
A refrigerant leak can pose several issues beyond just ineffective cooling. It can cause health issues such as dizziness, nausea, and breathing difficulties due to inhaling the leaked gas. It can also consume more energy without effectively cooling the space, which causes electricity bills to increase.
Additionally, operating an air conditioner with a gas leak can also cause severe damage to the compressor, leading to costly repairs or even complete unit replacement!
5 Signs of a Gas Leak in AC
Sign #1 Insufficient Cooling
An AC refrigerant leak would cause the air conditioner unit to malfunction as it does not have sufficient coolant to cool the air properly. In some of our client who live in Singapore, we also find their AC unit to short cycle.
Check your AC air filter to see if it is covered in dust. A clogged filter can also cause your AC unit to blow warm air. If the AC filter is clean and the evaporator coil is not frozen, you most likely have a refrigerant gas leak in your unit.
Sign #2 Frozen Evaporator Coils
An AC refrigerant leak may lead to a frozen evaporator coil as moisture around the coils ice up. Turn off your unit and let the ice thaw first. Then you may inspect your unit for any possible hissing sounds and sweet smells coming from your AC that would indicate a gas leakage.
Frozen evaporator coils can be caused by a dirty coil or filter. It is a good idea to check for the last time you had your air conditioning unit cleaned before immediately suspecting a gas leak. Chances are your evaporator coils are simply dirty, which you can clean with a can of compressed air.
Sign #3 Hissing Sound Coming From Your Air Conditioner
Refrigerant and cooling pipes would sometimes create a hissing sound when there is a gas leakage through the thermostatic expansion valve. As gas escapes through narrow openings in the aircon coolant pipe, it creates a hissing or gurgling sound.
If you hear a hissing sound coming from your air conditioner, the best thing to do is to turn the appliance off. Check your air conditioning unit for any signs of a gas leak, such as a sweet smell, leaking pipes, and other issues. Contact a Luce Aircon HVAC technician immediately.
Sign #4 Air Conditioner Smells Sweet
Refrigerant gas leaks give off a sweet, chloroform-like smell when released. Alternatively, burning coolant may give off an exhaust smell instead as you may have electrical wiring on the fritz that is causing freon gases to burn. In this case, unplug your AC unit, and contact a technician to find and fix the gas leaks.
Sign #5 High Electricity Bills
Refrigerant leaks cause high electricity bills as the HVAC system works harder to provide cool air with insufficient coolants. If you notice your AC system is using up more energy than normal, and you notice other signs of leaking gas, then stop using the AC. Unplug the system, and contact a technician to fix the leak.
What to Do During AC Gas Leak?
Shut Off the Aircon
Turn off the air conditioner to prevent further gas leakage and avoid straining the system. Continued operation with low refrigerant can severely damage internal components.
Open the Windows
Ensure proper ventilation by opening windows and doors. This helps disperse any leaked gas, reducing health risks from inhaling refrigerant fumes.
Call a Licensed Air Conditioning Technician
Do not attempt to fix an aircon gas leak yourself. Handling refrigerants requires specialized equipment and expertise. In Singapore, only licensed aircon technicians are allowed to work with refrigerant gases safely.
A professional can identify the exact location of the leak, and safely repair or replace damaged components. Afterward, they will recharge the system with the correct amount of refrigerant–ensuring your unit can work properly again.
Do keep in mind, refrigerants are hazardous substances, and improper handling can be dangerous. DIY repairs can lead to further leaks, worsening the problem.
Important! Unauthorized handling of refrigerant gases may also violate safety regulations in Singapore.
Experiencing an Aircon Gas Leak? Contact Luce Today!
If you suspect a gas leak in your aircon, don’t wait—get expert help immediately. At Luce, our certified aircon technician provide reliable leak detection, repair, and gas top-up services across Singapore. Contact us today to restore your aircon’s performance and ensure a safe, comfortable environment.
