Clear Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Heating

Freon is the cooling component in the standard air conditioner. It carries heat from inside your home and disperses it outdoors. Air conditioners are made as closed systems, which helps keep the air cool and dry. However, any leak from the pipeline can be disastrous for the entire system.

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Freon does not dissipate, so there’s no loss unless there is a leak in one of the pipes or fittings. HVAC professionals believe that Freon leaks need to be repaired immediately since they can worsen with time and cause the entire system to fail. Rusty coils and oily residue are the most prominent indicators that Freon is leaking from your A/C system.

HOW DO FREON LEAKS OCCUR?

There are many possible reasons for leaks:

WELD JOINT FATIGUE

Weld joint fatigue is the most common reason Freon leaks and impacts the evaporator coils in the attic. In extreme cases, the coil can have a heat variation between 35 to 125 degrees and cycle through these conditions more than a hundred times a day. The weld joints are made of two metals that undergo stress and pressure as they expand and contract at different rates depending on the temperature. The pressure ends in tiny fractures through which the refrigerant can leak out. Modern coils are made to withstand up to severe temperature level conditions for extended periods.

BAD INSTALLATION AND WELDING STRATEGIES

The installation of A/C units should be entrusted to only HVAC specialists. Make sure your HVAC technician is adequately trained and has experience installing and maintaining air conditioners.

PHYSICAL DAMAGE TO THE PIPES

Nails and screws drilled into the walls to hold the line set can damage the pipelines. Typically, it is difficult to identify and repair leaks like this because they lie behind the walls or other places hidden from view.

WHAT ARE THE REPAIR OPTIONS?

There are many repair options for Freon leaks:

Take care of the leak: This is often a costly solution, and a proper leakage fix procedure includes the following:

Remove any leftover Freon

Repair the leak by or replace the defective component

Install a new filter or drier

Check for any other leaks by pressurizing the system

Vacuum the system and charge with Freon

New refrigerant: Old refrigerant has contaminants that can cause the system to become acidic. This can weaken the components and pipes of the system. It is often a good idea to replace the old refrigerant.

Leak Seal Treatment: This is a temporary fix that can get you through for a short time before the primary repair is performed.

Add more Freon: There isn’t a guarantee that it will work as it does not fix the leak. At some point, the Freon will leak out again.

Purchase a brand-new A/C system: In situations that have significant damage, you might consider a full system replacement. 

The option of repair or replacement boils down to a monetary choice of how long it will take you to recover your costs. Talk with an experienced HVAC technician to go over the pros and cons before making a decision.

Clear Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Heating of Las Vegas offers full plumbing and HVAC services throughout Las Vegas and Henderson. Emergency service available.