Refrigerant is the key material inside an air conditioner that enables it to remove heat from your home and transfer it outdoors. Without refrigerant, your system can’t cool effectively. Even a small refrigerant leak can reduce efficiency, sometimes causing your energy bills to climb by 15–20% or more.
And it’s not just a comfort or cost issue — older refrigerants, like R-22, are classified as potent greenhouse gases, with global warming potentials thousands of times higher than carbon dioxide.
That’s why spotting and preventing refrigerant leaks isn’t just good for your wallet — it’s essential for maintaining system performance and protecting the environment. In this blog, we’ll cover the common causes of leaks, warning signs to watch for, and what you can expect from our team at Apollo Heating & Air Conditioning when it comes to leak detection and repair.
What Causes AC Refrigerant Leaks?
Refrigerant leaks usually develop at a few key points within your cooling system. Over time, vibrations from regular system operation can loosen fittings or joints, which can allow refrigerant to escape slowly. Corrosion is another major factor, especially for coils and copper lines that are exposed to the elements or fluctuating humidity levels.
In some cases, physical damage can be the culprit. Outdoor units may get hit by falling branches, hail, or debris kicked up by lawnmowers, which can dent or puncture the coils. Finally, age-related wear plays a role; seals and O-rings inside the system can dry out, crack, or degrade, creating pathways for refrigerant to leak out over time.
Warning Signs of a Refrigerant Leak
While a leak may not be immediately visible, there are several warning signs that can alert you to the issue. One of the first is a noticeable drop in cooling performance. Your AC may run for much longer periods than normal and still fail to cool your home adequately. That’s because low refrigerant levels make it harder for the system to absorb and transfer heat.
Another common symptom is warm or lukewarm air blowing from your vents. A direct temperature reading at a supply register should be under 55°F. If it’s higher, that’s a red flag. You might also notice uneven temperatures in different rooms, especially those furthest from the system or on upper levels of the home.
Humidity issues can also point to a leak. Your AC system helps regulate indoor moisture levels, but when refrigerant is low, the system can’t dehumidify properly. If your home starts to feel damp or musty, or if you notice signs of mold, it’s worth having the system checked.
In some cases, a refrigerant leak may cause ice to form on the evaporator coil or refrigerant lines. This happens because the reduced refrigerant pressure causes the coil temperature to drop below freezing. As airflow decreases and ice builds, the system may eventually shut down altogether.
There are also visual and audible clues to look for. Hissing or bubbling sounds often indicate escaping gas, while oily residue near the unit may suggest a leak, since refrigerant often carries lubricating oil that can leave stains when it escapes.
How We Detect and Prevent Leaks
At Apollo Heating & Air Conditioning, we use a combination of diagnostic tools and visual inspections to detect refrigerant leaks. During a routine maintenance visit, our licensed technicians will check system pressure and run diagnostics to look for irregularities, such as longer-than-normal cycle times or signs of poor airflow.
If we suspect a leak, we may perform a pressure test to monitor how quickly the system loses pressure. We can also introduce UV-safe dye into the lines to trace where the refrigerant is escaping. In cases where the leak is small or hard to spot, ultrasonic tools can help us detect the sound of refrigerant leaving the line, even through tiny pinholes.
A full visual inspection is also important. We’ll look for corrosion, worn fittings, oily residue, and other physical signs of damage. Simple methods like applying a soap solution to suspect areas can reveal leaks by creating bubbles where gas escapes.
Repairs and Best Practices
If we confirm a refrigerant leak, we’ll walk you through the best course of action. In some cases, it’s as simple as tightening a loose fitting or replacing a degraded seal. However, more extensive leaks may require coil replacement or even the installation of a new compressor, depending on the extent of the damage.
All refrigerant-related work must be performed by EPA-certified technicians. Attempting to recharge or open a system yourself not only risks further damage but can also void your warranty and violate federal regulations. We follow all guidelines for safe recovery, evacuation, and recharge procedures to ensure your system is handled properly and performs efficiently once repaired.
We also take steps to help prevent future issues. That includes applying approved lubricants during reassembly, cleaning coils, and recommending any upgrades if your system is showing signs of age-related wear.
Why Regular Maintenance Matters
The best way to prevent refrigerant leaks is to schedule regular inspections and tune-ups. During your annual visit, we’ll not only check refrigerant levels and pressures but also inspect all connections and components that are prone to leaks. Our maintenance plans make it easy to stay on top of system care while enjoying additional benefits like priority service and discounted repairs.
Call for Help Today
Apollo Heating & Air Conditioning has been proudly serving Bellevue, NE, since 1971. Whether you need a quick AC repair, annual maintenance, or a complete system replacement, our experienced technicians are here to help. We service all major brands of AC systems and are proud to be a Lennox Premier Dealer.
Don’t wait until a small leak becomes a costly problem. Contact Apollo Heating & Air Conditioning today to schedule your AC inspection or ask about our affordable maintenance plans.
