Health Dangers That AC Refrigerant Leaks Can Cause
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by WEPL Editor Mgmt February 14, 2023
Heating and air conditioning system is the most essential equipment of any residential or commercial area. It keeps you comfortable during the changing outdoor temperatures. Therefore, a malfunctioning AC can be a nuisance, especially in extreme weather. There can be many reasons for an air conditioner to malfunction. One of the most ignored reasons can be AC refrigerant leaks. A refrigerant is one of the most imperative but at the same time, most overlooked parts of your air conditioning system.
What is a Refrigerant?
An air conditioner requires coolant to cycle both cold and hot air and disperse it properly This coolant is within the unit’s copper tubes. Afterward, it cycles through to circulate cold air and expel hot air outdoors. This chemical blend is responsible for cycling through the system, changing from a liquid to a gas as it absorbs and releases heat from inside your home. However, over time, issues in your line sets can lead to the loss of refrigerant, which can cause many problems. This can cause your AC to malfunction.
Aside from a dysfunctional air conditioner, many health problems may arise out of refrigerant leaks. If neglecting a leaking air conditioner, this coolant can have severe effects on your physical health. This guide will teach you the refrigerant leak symptoms and dangers.
Here are six common signs of air conditioning refrigerant leaks:
Humidity
Air conditioners remove air from indoor spaces and dehumidify. When there’s a refrigerant leak, an air conditioner’s dehumidifying ability is just as compromised as its cooling ability
Poor cooling
If you suddenly experience sweating and your system can’t keep up during the hottest hours of the day, a refrigerant leak can be a culprit.
Long cooling cycles
Longer cooling cycles are another sign of a possible refrigerant leak. Although it’s most of the time not noticeable, your air conditioner might be lagging a few degrees behind your thermostat setting. The sound of air moving through your vents makes it easier to notice if cooling cycles are abnormally long.
Higher utility bills.
If you completely overlook all the symptoms described above you may see a red flag in your next power bill. The inefficient cooling and longer cycles caused by low refrigerant can cause your electricity bills to rise.
Ice on evaporator coils
Some of the most obvious telltale signs of a refrigerant leak can be observed on your outdoor air conditioning unit. If you can see frosty ice crystals forming on the evaporator coil during hot weather, it’s time to call for an hvac service provide.
Bubbling or hissing sound.
If you hear unusual sounds coming from your outdoor unit while it isn’t running, it could be a sign of a significant refrigerant leak.
Causes of AC Refrigerant Leaks
There are many causes of a AC refrigerant leaks. For example, common catalysts of refrigerant leaks include
With continuous and excessive use, the copper tubes that house and distribute the coolant may begin to corrode. Furthermore, older units that utilize older refrigerants are more prone to corrosion as the chemical makeup of refrigerant is a catalyst for corrosion in its transformations from liquid to gaseous states. Factory defects are a common cause of refrigerant leaks.
Ensure that your Air conditioner installers are professionals and expert technicians. Improper installation of an Air conditioning unit can result in air conditioner leaks and many additional problems. These problems can be more costly.
With time, air conditioners experience wear and tear like any other frequently used appliance. Therefore, it’s important to keep an eye on the functionality of your unit as it ages.
The storage of this coolant is within the unit’s copper tubes. The vibrating of your AC may be a cause or an indicator of a coolant leak in your system.
Dangers of AC Refrigerant leaks
Refrigerant is made of chemical compounds such as chlorofluorocarbons, chlorine, and fluoride. There are many health and environmental dangers that can come with having contact with these chemicals. Therefore, it’s important to be aware of how air conditioner leaks may harm your health.
System inefficiency
The loss of refrigerant can cause your system to run inefficiently. Your system may struggle to produce adequate air conditioning, preventing your indoor area from reaching the desired temperature.
Increase in electricity bills
A refrigerant leak not only causes your system to work harder, but it can also drastically increase your monthly energy bills.
Adverse effects on health
Refrigerant leaks can be harmful to your health and hazardous to the environment.
Refrigerant contains chemicals that can negatively affect air quality and enter your respiratory system. Although it is tasteless and odorless, it does make an adverse impact on your surrounding air and health.
Breathing chlorine or skin/eye contact with chlorine gas may result in a variety of health problems.
Fluoride weakens the immune system, aggravation of kidney disease, and causes birth defects, and genetic damage.
Moreover Chlorofluorocarbons are common contributors to the depletion of the ozone layer
Refrigerant poisoning can furthermore lead to difficulty breathing, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. It causes skin and eye irritation and coughing.
If left untreated, the poisoning can lead to life-threatening issues, including the following:
Labored breathing
Buildup of fluid in the lungs
Irregular heartbeat
Confusion, mental fatigue
Seizures
Loss of consciousness
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms of refrigerant positioning, consult a doctor immediately
How to fix AC Refrigerant leaks?
If you discover a refrigerant leak, turn off your AC unit and unplug it from the power source. If the leak is small, you can try to repair it yourself using a sealant or tape. If the leak is larger, you’ll need to call an HVAC professional for repairs. Once the leak has been repaired, have your AC unit serviced.
Reach out to Alturas HVAC contractors right away if you find any of the Air conditioner refrigerant leak symptoms mentioned in the article. Our expert HVAC technicians in Los Angeles are professional in the installation, repair, and maintenance service of all types of HVAC equipment. We are available 24/7 at your service. Alturas HVAC specialists will come to your place and inspect, identify and repair any issues in your air conditioner