Floridians are used to hot, humid spring and summer seasons. However, it looks like things are getting hotter and wetter as the years go by.
As temperatures rise, it’s imperative that you stay on top of air conditioner maintenance. If your AC isn’t working efficiently, you run the risk of losing central cooling when you need it most.
Today, we’re going to talk about one of the number one sources of AC repair problems: refrigerant leaks. If you know how to spot a refrigerant leak, you can request AC repairs ASAP.
Read on for a few methods for finding a leak in your AC so that you can request maintenance before the unit breaks down.
Finding Your Refrigerant Lines
Most of the time, you’re going to find refrigerant leaks coming directly from the source: your AC’s refrigerant lines. That means that the first step you’ll want to take is locating those lines, which will be connected directly to the condenser.
Many Florida homes have outdoor condensers with refrigerant lines running from the condenser (a large metal box) to the house. Otherwise, your condenser is likely connected to an indoor furnace or solo unit located in a utility closet or basement. In any case, what you’re looking for is a thick tube running side by side with a thin tube.
Detecting Leaks with Soapy Water
Once you’ve found your refrigerant lines, it’s time to test them for holes that are leaking refrigerant. To do this, you will need a clean spray bottle filled with a mixture of lukewarm water and dish soap. Mist the lines with the mixture and watch what happens next.
If the mixture starts to bubble, you’ve located at least one source of your AC leak. Please take care to wash your hands after touching leaking refrigerant lines and before touching your face or mouth, as refrigerant is a toxic substance.
You may not always spot AC leaks, but there are some tell-tale signs to look out for. For example, if your AC starts to make hissing sounds, it could indicate a leak. If your AC is running longer than normal or failing to keep your home cool, one possible issue is a leak.
Calling Your Local Air Conditioning Company
If you’re not sure what’s causing trouble or you don’t want to tinker around with your AC unit, yourself, call your local air conditioning company. We can run diagnostic tests to find leaks or determine other sources of your AC problems.
Do You Need AC Repairs in Florida? Call ABS Air Conditioning
Staying on top of AC repairs is a must in a state like Florida. Knowing how to recognize warning signs can make a big difference in your ability to react and request AC maintenance before things get worse.
If you’re looking for AC repairs in Tampa, FL, or the surrounding areas, contact us today. We’re here to serve all your heating and cooling needs.
