August 15, 2016

How to Prevent Air Conditioner Refrigerant Leaks

Air conditioning units rely on a refrigerant, to cool the indoor air properly. Just as the human body cannot function properly without blood, air conditioners cannot function properly without a refrigerant. Unfortunately, air conditioners can develop refrigerant leaks. Not only are refrigerant leaks a sign of a serious problem, but in high amounts, these leaks can be harmful to you, your pets, and the environment.

Fortunately, homeowners in Charlottesville, Virginia, can have their air conditioners regularly inspected by the technicians at W.E. Brown, to maintain proper refrigerant levels and to prevent leaks.

Regular HVAC System Inspections

The best way homeowners can prevent these leaks is by having an HVAC company do regular inspections of the air conditioning units. A professional HVAC technician will be able to identify the early warning signs of a leak and deal with the issue before it gets out of hand.

Not only that, but regular HVAC maintenance will help to make sure that major components of your air conditioner stay in good condition. A broken or malfunctioning valve, accumulator, or capillary tube can all cause a refrigerant leak. You don’t have to worry about leaks if you know your HVAC parts are all working properly.

Maintain Proper Refrigerant Levels

If the refrigerant level of your air conditioning unit is too high or too low, this can damage the unit. Charging or handling refrigerants should only be done by certified technicians. Therefore, you should have a professional HVAC company help you to maintain proper refrigerant levels for your air conditioner.

One sign that the refrigerant level is too low is if it takes your air conditioner longer than usual to cool your home. Preventive maintenance is the best way to ward off a refrigerant leak. It is important to stay in tune with your unit and alert your technician as soon as you notice any change or problems.

For more information about preventing a refrigerant leak, don’t hesitate to contact one of our skilled W.E. Brown HVAC technicians at (434) 295-1177.

Image provided by Shutterstock

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