How To Prevent Gas Leakage in ACs

Arizona homeowners, if your HVAC system was manufactured before 2010, take note. Our scorching hot summer weather and warm falls, winters, and springs mean dependable AC is a year-round necessity. Knowing the most common AC gas leak causes and the symptoms of a gas leak in your split AC system is more important than ever. 

The most common cause of AC gas leaks is age. Many ACs still use Freon refrigerant to cool. Supply and demand are becoming bigger problems each year, and scarcity is driving prices up for system recharges and AC gas leak repair. 

Here’s why: In 1987, the Montreal Protocol was established to gradually phase out the use of ozone-depleting fluorocarbons worldwide. In 1992, it was amended to add hydrofluorocarbons (HCFC-22). HCFC-22 is more commonly known as Freon gas, and it’s another big contributor to climate change and global warming. 

According to the EPA, units that were manufactured and installed before 2010 can continue to be serviced, but there are some big caveats, which can quickly get very expensive for homeowners who need to repair an AC gas leak and recharge the AC system.

  • Domestic chemical manufacturers no longer produce new HCFC-22.
  • Importers no longer import new stocks of HCFC-22.
  • After 2020, only recycled, reclaimed, or previously produced HCFC-22 can be used to service existing AC equipment.

Symptoms of Gas Leaks in a Split AC System

An AC refrigerant leak means higher electric bills, so it’s wise to know the symptoms of a gas leak in split AC systems. These include:

  • AC system not blowing cool air
  • Hissing sounds from the indoor AC unit
  • Frozen condenser coils 
  • Loss of cooling power 
  • AC working harder to cool/won’t shut off 

Air Conditioner Gas Leak Causes

The most common cause of AC Freon leaks is metal corrosion that allows gas to escape the AC. Replacing separate metal components, such as the condenser coils, may resolve the leakage. However, depending on the severity of the damage and age of the AC, installing an entirely new air conditioner might be your best or only option.

Refrigerant leaks in the AC can also expose you and your family to high levels of chemical irritants, which can also damage the HVAC system. Prevention is your best path forward. Eventually, you’ll need to replace the AC with a new energy-efficient cooling system that costs less to operate.

How To Prevent Gas Leakage in Your AC

While you can’t prevent AC gas leaks forever, you can certainly hold them at bay for a while. That’s why HVAC professionals recommend having preventative maintenance on your HVAC system at least once per year. Twice is even better.

Schedule service during the spring so your AC operates efficiently all summer, and then again after a long season of round-the-clock service. However, know that even with the best maintenance program, the average lifespan of an AC is 12 to 15 years. 

Problems with your AC system or suspect there’s a leak? Call Donley A/C & Plumbing today or fill out our online form.