Refrigerant leaks are a frequent issue in older air conditioning units in Singapore, often caused by wear and tear. These leaks can occur in the evaporator coils or refrigerant lines, impacting your unit’s ability to cool effectively.
It is important to note that you should not be repairing holes in your air conditioner refrigerant lines as coolant gas is highly hazardous to your health and the environment. When in doubt, unplug your air conditioner and contact Luce. Our licensed HVAC technician in Singapore will solve the problem without the hassle or the high fees!
Signs of Air Conditioner Refrigerant Leaks
Recognizing the signs of a refrigerant leak aircon issue is crucial in ensuring your air conditioning unit operates efficiently. Here are some common signs to look out for!
Sign #1: Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air
If your unit fails to blow cold air into the room, it may indicate an AC refrigerant leak as there is not enough coolant to properly remove the warm air and cool down the air in the room. While there are several other factors that cause an aircon unit to blow warm air, refrigerant leaks are one of the common causes in most of our clients in Singapore.
Sign #2: Frozen Evaporator Coils
An air conditioner refrigerant leak may cause the condensation on the coils to freeze, resulting in frozen evaporator coils. The frozen condensation can damage the evaporator coil, causing the metal components to rust or corrode. The HVAC refrigerant leak may also cause the AC unit to drip water as the ice melts.
Sign #3: Hissing Sounds or Gurgling Sound
A hissing, gurgling, or bubbling sound is most likely an AC refrigerant leak, as the coolant escapes through small, narrow openings in the refrigerant line, or the evaporator coil. These sounds, coupled with an AC unit leaking refrigerant indoors, are tell-tale signs of a refrigerant leak.
If you hear a hissing, gurgling, or bubbling noise coming from your aircon unit, turn the AC system off immediately and unplug the appliance. Contact a Luce Aircon technician to find and repair the leak or replace any necessary parts to get your aircon up and running smoothly again.
Sign #4: Strange Sweet Ether or Chloroform Smell
While refrigerant is a colorless, odorless, and flavorless substance, manufacturers often add a scent to alert the homeowner of a refrigerant leak. The smell is often sweet, with an odor of either ether or chloroform. Some people claim the smell of a refrigerant leak is similar to hospital disinfectant, with a clean, chemical-like odor.
Sign #5: Higher Electric Bills
A Freon leak would cause your HVAC system to pull more energy to function without enough coolant in the system, leading to higher electric bills. A digital energy monitor will be able to tell you how much electric consumption your air conditioner uses so you can take note of any changes in your electric bill.
Sign #6: Increase in Humidity
Singapore’s humidity is already high, but an AC refrigerant leak can make indoor air feel even more humid. When refrigerant levels drop, your aircon cannot remove moisture effectively, leading to a stuffy and uncomfortable environment. If you notice excess humidity indoors despite running the aircon, it could indicate a refrigerant leak.
Sign #7: Long Cooling Cycles
If your aircon takes longer than usual to cool the room, it may be due to an air conditioner refrigerant leak. Low refrigerant levels force the system to work harder, extending cooling cycles and increasing energy consumption. This can result in higher electricity bills and reduced performance.
Sign #8: Water Leaks
A refrigerant leak in AC can sometimes lead to condensation buildup, causing water to drip from the unit. While water leakage can also be caused by clogged drainage, an ongoing refrigerant leak aircon issue can freeze the coils, leading to water leaks when the ice melts.
Causes of Aircon Refrigerant Leak
Air conditioning is essential in Singapore's hot climate, making any issue with your unit a significant concern. Not only knowing the signs of a refrigerant leak, it is also important to understand the causes of a refrigerant leak in AC to help prevent the issue!
- Deterioration: Over time, the copper coils in air conditioning system can corrode due to exposure to moisture and pollutants. This often happens in our clients due to Singapore weather, where humidity levels are high—making deterioration happen faster.
- Loose Joints: Aircon units have multiple connections and joints, which can become loose due to vibrations and general wear and tear. If the connections are not properly sealed, a refrigerant leak in the AC can occur.
- Wear and Tear: As air conditioners age, the components naturally degrade. Constant use, especially in a hot climate like Singapore’s, increases the chances of an air conditioner refrigerant leak. Regular servicing can help detect early signs of wear before a serious AC refrigerant leak develops.
- Incorrect Installation: If an aircon is not installed properly, the pipes and fittings may not be sealed correctly, leading to refrigerant leak.
Only hire experienced aircon technicians in Singapore to get proper installation and guarantee long-term performance!
How to Repair Aircon Refrigerant Leak?
Dealing with an aircon refrigerant leak is crucial for maintaining your unit’s performance, especially in Singapore’s hot and humid climate. If left unchecked, a refrigerant leak aircon issue can cause inefficient cooling, higher energy consumption, and potential damage to the compressor.
When a leak happens, contact a repair service immediately because attempting to fix a refrigerant leak on your own can be dangerous. Mishandling refrigerants can result in further damage to your aircon unit and pose health risks. Thus, it’s best to call a trusted aircon repair service in Singapore, such as Luce.
Additionally, to prevent aircon refrigerant leaks, you should always make sure to use accredited or high-quality coolant that meets Singapore’s industry standards. Routine maintenance is also the key to preventing an air conditioner refrigerant leak. This proactive approach can save both time and money while prolonging the lifespan of your aircon unit.
Trust Luce Aircon
We have vast experience in aircon cleaning, maintenance, diagnostics, and repair across different brands of HVAC systems! When in doubt, trust us to provide you with quality service at a moderate price. We'll keep your air conditioning system in Singapore home or office working smoothly for years to come.
Contact us today to hear about our full list of services and offers!
Check out our article on how to check aircon gas leaks!
