Got a leak in your unit? - Odds favor these culprits from thermal-medics.com

Ok you notice your A/C is not keeping up to the desired temperature selected at the thermostat.    Or it may just be running all day just to keep your home cool.  A common problem we see out in the field are leaks in the refrigerant system. 

Let's get this straight first off, the refrigerant in your system is a closed system.  It does not use up any gas to run but the level should stay the same.  In fact you can look on the nameplate of your unit and find out how much refrigerant and what type you have if you wish.  You will start to notice a degradation of your units efficiency when it is approximately 2 lbs (give or take low).   Also there may be enough refrigerant to run your system fine in April or May but in Phoenix in July it just can't keep up.

Split systems have more leaks than package units.  That is just a fact.  There are copper pipes that have to be brazed in the field during installation and that always will increase the likelihood of leaks.  Package units are just that, from the factory, sealed and typically pretty solid.

An easy DIY troubleshooting technique to see if you have a leak is to feel the refrigerant pipes.  The larger one (suction line) should be cool to cold to the touch and the liquid line (smaller one) should be warm to hot.  If the pipes are lukewarm or if you have frost on the suction line a refrigerant leak may be the culprit.

Where do leaks happen?  Here is a short list that the odds favor.

Schrader valves where Techs hook up manifold gauges
Service valves (next to schraeder valves)
any brazed joint
indoor or evaporator coil (rusting out/pinhole leaks)

You can do a visual inspection of these areas if you choose.  Another dead giveaway is oil stains.  Oil travels in the refrigerant and any leak will leave traces of oil.  For example, the schrader valve caps have oil in them, etc.

Techs will use a nitrogen charge to pressure test the system and sometimes use a dye as well.

How are leaks repaired?  Once found they can be brazed shut, shcrader valve cores replaced and in the case of evaporator coils they can be replaced or you can use a can of Super Seal in the system.  I have seen 60 to 70% success rates with this product.

For more help or to ask specific questions email me at info@thermal-medics.com or visit the free help website at http://www.thermal-medics.com/.